Firefighter Injured Battling Flames Near Church: Report

LOTHIAN, MD — While battling a Lothian apartment fire Saturday night, an Anne Arundel County firefighter suffered minor injuries, a report said. The crew member went to the Anne Arundel Medical Center for treatment, but the fire department noted that they are in good condition.

The fire started around 7:15 p.m., drawing a team of 65 firefighters to the residence. The home neighbors the Miracle Temple Church, located in the 5500 block of Sands Road, the department added.

The incident report said that many members of the church live in the apartments of the four-story building. The occupants spotted the flames and called 911. They evacuated before crews arrived.

The fire started in the basement, a writeup said, but the cause is unknown. Behind a cloud of smoke, firefighters found flames in the first floor and basement.

The blaze was hard to extinguish because it hid in the empty space between walls. The first responders also requested a tanker task force, which carries water to remote areas without fire hydrants, adding to the challenge.

Crews from the following departments assisted the Anne Arundel County Fire Department's response:

• Annapolis Fire Department
• Prince George's County Fire & EMS Department
• Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department
• North Beach Volunteer Fire Department
• Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department
• Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department.

The team controlled the fire in 90 minutes. The estimated dollar loss is unknown.

No civilians were hurt. The Red Cross is helping at least three of the residents find housing.

The Anne Arundel County Fire and Explosives Investigation Unit is investigating the cause of the blaze.

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