Firefighter Hospitalized After Forest Blaze In Anne Arundel County: Officials

CROWNSVILLE, MD — An Anne Arundel County firefighter was hurt while battling a brush fire this week in Crownsville, officials said.

A press release said medics took the firefighter to a hospital for treatment of a minor injury. Doctors have since released the firefighter from the hospital.

A fire department spokesperson estimated that 3 to 4 acres burned, but said no physical property was damaged.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

Crews said a passerby reported the forest fire at 12:49 p.m. Wednesday. Firefighters responded to River Road near Eva Gude Drive.

First responders said they found a large chunk of woodland ablaze with the flames spreading toward Maynadier Creek.

A team of 41 controlled the fire in 4 hours, the release said.

Crews said they closed River Road between Eva Gude Drive and Herald Harbor Road during that time as a safety precaution.

The Anne Arundel County Fire Department said it is still on high alert for wildfires.

The department offered these safety tips to protect homes from spreading flames:

• Remove leaves and other organic material from the roof, gutters and on/under the deck
• Place 1/8 inch wire mesh under decks and porches and over vents that lead into the home
• Enclose eaves
• Replace missing shingles
• Remove dead vegetation, especially within the first 5 feet of the home's outer wall
• Keep lawn hydrated and cut grass down if it's brown
• Prune tree limbs so lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet off the ground
• Move construction materials, trash and woodpiles at least 30 feet from the home
• Get rid of leaves and branches in the yard

Additional wildfire safety information is posted at smokeybear.com.

This map shows the area where officials said the fire happened: