BCoFD : BCoFD Responds To Multiple Storm-Related Emergencies

Press release from the Baltimore County Fire Department:

July 18, 2021

A strong line of thunderstorms moving through the County Saturday afternoon caused numerous emergencies, including a two-alarm fire, fallen trees and vehicles trapped in floodwater.

Around 3 p.m., severe thunderstorms heavily impacted the east side of the County, including Parkville, Essex, Middle River and Rosedale communities.

At 2:56 p.m., firefighters responded to a condominium fire in the 2200 block of Lowells Glen Road in the Parkville area. Fire investigators quickly determined that a lightning strike caused this fire, which burned the roof off of the building and required the relocation of all residents.

A resident was getting into her car in the parking lot when she heard the strike and saw smoke coming from the building. Fire was through the roof when Engine 10 (Parkville) arrived. Firefighters evacuated all residents; the Red Cross assisted with making accommodation for the displaced residents.

No injuries were reported. Firefighters rescued several pets, including a dog that was transported to a local animal hospital.

Fire crews responded to numerous calls involving vehicles stuck in floodwater. Swiftwater teams helped an estimated 30 people stranded in vehicles or structures.

No injuries were reported.

BCoFD responded to several calls involving trees that fell into houses. In Essex, a fallen tree heavily damaged an apartment building in the 900 block of Garden Drive. County building engineers and rendered three buildings unsafe. The Red Cross assisted the displaced residents. No injuries were reported.

Around 8:30 p.m., a second line of severe storms moved through the northwest and central areas of the county.

This press release was produced by the Baltimore County Fire Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.