Gamber firefighters and neighboring fire companies were alerted for a house fire at approximately 7:34 pm on Monday, September 16. Gamber members were at the station preparing for their monthly company meeting so the response was almost immediate.

The two-story dwelling was located in the 1000 block of Warren Drive in Westminster. Gamber units arrived on the scene at 7:40 pm and saw smoke showing. Chief 13, Chad Hastings, established command.

Firefighters from Gamber’s Engine 134 advanced an attack line into the house to find fire in the kitchen. They had water on the fire by 7:42 and the fire was knocked down by 7:43. The fire was contained to the kitchen but there was smoke and heat damage to the rest of the first and second floors. Smoke removal from the basement and the second floor was initiated. Units remained on the scene to check for extension and to overhaul.

Additional units from DFEMS, Reese, Westminster, Sykesville, Winfield, and New Windsor assisted. Since this is a non-hydrant location, additional tankers were dispatched on the initial alert.

The Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause and origin of the fire.

Photos by Chief Hastings, Richard Stem III, and Bill Rehkopf