Carroll County and Baltimore County fire crews were initially alerted for a building fire at the Clearfield Bible Church in the 1300 block of Old Westminster Pike in Westminster on Thursday, August 1 at approximately 3:00 pm.

The church, located in Reese's first due area, was found to be fully involved with heavy fire and smoke. DFEMS Chief Michael Robinson assumed command upon his arrival at the scene.

The incident was elevated to a 2nd alarm due to the extreme afternoon temperatures and the need to add a tanker task force to bring water to the scene. This area of Carroll County has no public water supply. Units from additional Carroll County stations as well as Baltimore County, Howard County, and Pennsylvania were also dispatched.

A crew from Reese was evacuated from the building when the roof started to collapse early in the incident. All other personnel remained on the exterior of the building. Master streams of water from aerial apparatus were used. The structure suffered a complete roof collapse as well as two exterior brick wall collapses.

The fire was declared under control at 4:35 PM but many units remained on the scene putting out hot spots. One firefighter was transported to the hospital.

Baltimore ATF and Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal are investigating the cause of the fire. ATF investigates all fires in houses of worship.

Union Bridge filled in the Gamber station with Engine 81and Sykesville's Medic Unit also filled in at Gamber.