A fire captain with Frederick County Fire and Rescue Services is currently recovering in the hospital after being seriously injured during a dangerous apartment fire in Frederick, Maryland. The firefighter was hurt when part of a ceiling collapsed while crews were battling the fast-moving blaze, which forced dozens of residents out of their homes.
The Frederick apartment fire happened Friday afternoon in the 800 block of Gabriel Court. According to officials, firefighters were dispatched to the scene shortly after 2:30 p.m. after reports came in about a fire at a multi-unit residential building. When emergency crews arrived, they immediately saw flames coming from the front of a three-story garden-style apartment complex.
Officials said strong winds in the area made the situation worse. The gusty weather helped push the fire quickly through the building’s roof, allowing the flames to spread faster than expected. Firefighters began working to contain the blaze while also searching the building to make sure everyone inside was safe.
During the emergency response, a fire captain was inside the stairwell on the third floor when part of the ceiling suddenly collapsed. The falling debris trapped and seriously injured the firefighter. A mayday call was quickly issued over the radio, signaling that a firefighter was in danger and needed immediate help.
Other firefighters rushed in and managed to pull the injured captain out of the building. Due to the seriousness of the injuries, the firefighter was airlifted to Bayview Medical Center for treatment. Officials have not released the captain’s identity, but they confirmed that he remains hospitalized and is receiving medical care.
While battling the fire, crews also focused on rescue operations. During a search of the building, firefighters found a minor inside one of the second-floor apartments. The child was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation but was thankfully not injured. In addition to helping residents, firefighters also rescued several pets from the burning building.
In total, about 75 firefighters responded to the emergency. Their efforts eventually brought the flames under control at around 4:15 p.m., preventing the fire from causing even more damage.
Despite their quick response, the fire still had a major impact on the apartment complex. The flames spread to a nearby building and damaged multiple units. In total, 24 apartments were affected, forcing all residents to leave their homes.
Local officials say the cause of the Frederick apartment fire is still under investigation as fire investigators continue to examine the scene. Meanwhile, the community is hoping for a full recovery for the injured fire captain who was hurt while responding to the emergency.
