A single-family residence in the 400 block of Oakland Road was destroyed by fire last Wednesday, January 21 shortly after 1 p.m. The home occupants and their pets were all able to escape the home before it became fully involved.
According to homeowners Kevin and Sara Smith, the fire started at a heater that had been set up to keep water pipes into the home from freezing.
Firefighters responded to the 911 call made at 12:55 p.m. Once on scene they found the house fully involved.
photo by Andy Stotler
The heater for the pipes appear to have caused a nearby propane tank to overheat and catch on fire, fully involving the house structure and reaching a vehicle parked near the house.
Oakland Road was shut down during fire operations from 1:08 p.m. to 5:25 p.m.
Fire and emergency units responded from Frederick County at Gainesboro, Reynolds Store and Gore; Hancock. Md.; South Morgan, Berkeley Springs and Morgan County EMS. Chief 16 of Gainesboro was in command of the scene.
The American Red Cross assisted the homeowners.
