February 15th, 2004

Burtonsville units were dispatched for a house fire in the unit block of Smith Village Court in Hillandale at 0634 hours. Enroute, communications advised of a report of occupants trapped. The first arriving engine (E241) arrived on the scene with fire showing with significant involvement of the home and advised of an exterior operation due to collapse conditions at the front entranceway into the home. Company 15 arrived on the scene shortly behind the first arriving engine, at which time additional credible reports of occupants trapped were received. The crew of Rescue Squad 15 initiated an aggressive vent, enter and search type operation through a second floor window. In spite of the severe conditions, the crew of Rescue Squad 15 located an unconscious female in a second floor bedroom. She was removed via ground ladders in the front as interior operations were abandoned and the dwelling was evacuated. The other occupant was located later in the area of the home where severe fire and collapse conditions existed upon arrival. The female removed from the second floor also succumbed to her injuries. Units operated on the scene for several hours. Engine 151, Truck 15, Rescue Squad 15, Medic 159, Battalion Chief 115 and Chief 15 responded on this incident with eighteen personnel.

At this time the cause of the fire is under investigation. More to follow.

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