A house fire in Frederick County on Tuesday afternoon caused the structure to collapse into its foundation, according to officials.
Emergency crews responded to the blaze at Keys Chapel Road and Coppermine Road, east of Libertytown, just before 12:00 PM. Upon arrival, firefighters found the home fully engulfed in flames, with heavy fire on the second floor. A tanker task force was requested for water supply, along with Rapid Intervention Dispatch for additional manpower.
While crews were working inside, an explosion forced them to evacuate. All personnel were safely accounted for, and firefighters retreated 25 feet from the house as they continued battling the flames. Keys Chapel Road was temporarily closed during the response.
The fire was brought under control, with some units being released around 1:15 PM. The Frederick Scanner Facebook page reported that the fire was fully extinguished by 4:45 PM, but the structure had collapsed.
No injuries were reported, and the homeowner was not present at the time of the fire.
