Explosion at Transfer Station
 
By Deputy Chief Bret Krabbe
April 7, 2015
 

At approximately 1250 hours the crew at Station 2 experienced a power loss with the backup generator restoring power immediately. Shortly afterwards, multiple companies from Charles and St. Mary's County were dispatched to 10050 Ryceville Road in Charles County for the explosion with fire at the Southern Maryland Electric transfer Station.

Engine 23 (Chief 2B) and Tanker 2 responded at dispatch. Engine 23 arrived on scene at the transfer station and assumed first due responsibilities. Engine 23 laid a supply line in and reported no fire evident from the transfer station, but found a small brush fire present. Chief 2B established the North Ryceville Road Command.

Command met with SMECO representatives who advised they would only need assistance with the brush fire, but could not confirm that power was controlled to a downed line in the brush fire. Units stood by and the brush fire self extinguished. Command held units from Saint Mary's Company 2 as well as Charles Companies 2 and 14.

Units operated for approximately an hour and a half.

 
Units: Engine 23, Tanker 2
 
Mutual Aid: Multiple Companies from Charles and Saint Mary's Counties, SMECO