February 11th, 2010.        At Around 8am, a structural collapse occurred at Station 12 in their social hall area used for public events. A gas line was ruptured and while crews investigated the collapse, a fire broke out. The box alarm was filled and eventually went 3 alarms. Equipment and firefighters from Carroll, Baltimore, Howard and Frederick counties responded to the tragic blaze at the home of our friends in Sykesville. The fire destroyed the social hall area and heavily damaged most of the second floor including the bunkroom and administrative/operational offices. The engine bays were unharmed and are still being used to house all of Station 12's apparatus while they live and operate out of large tents behind the station.        Anyone wishing to make donations to the Sykesville-Freedom District Volunteer Fire Department should contact the station first to see what is needed at 410-795-9311.

OWNERS, RESIDENTS OF FLAT ROOF BUILDINGS

URGED TO BE AWARE OF SNOW LOAD DANGERS FROM STORMS

Carroll County, MD (February 10, 2010) – Faced with unprecedented snow loads on flat roofs around Carroll County, the Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services Association, and the Emergency Management Agency is recommending that building owners and residents of those buildings be aware of the weight loads that these back-to-back storms may be creating. ONLY SEND QUALIFIED PEOPLE TO INSPECT ROOFS AND MAKE SURE ALL APPROPRIATE SAFETY MEASURES ARE FOLLOWED.

February 6th, 2010.         As a blizzard slammed the entire state, it became increasingly difficult for units to reach the homes of those in need. The Maryland Army National Guard sent Humvees to assist Carroll County with accessing and transporting patients during the heavy snowfall. Two Humvees capable of transporting several people staged at Station 3 (a central location in the county) and waited for emergency calls for service around the entire county. The Army crews spent 2 days at Station 3 before returning to Camp Fretterd in Reisterstown, MD.