The Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department was heavily damaged in a fire following the collapse of the roof of the social hall, Thursday morning, February 11.
Fire officials say the roof of the hall was weighted down by over three feet of snow, and collapsed shortly before 8:00 this morning. Fire and EMS crews were on a cardiac arrest call at the time, but several personnel were at the station and heard the collapse. The building was quickly evacuated.
The 2 inch natural gas service into the building was sheared off by the collapse. Firefighters attempted to shut of the service at the meter, but it was too dangerous to approach due to the partially collapsed wall. Fire crews then set up hose lines as a precaution while they awaited the arrival of the gas company.
At approximately 8:20, the fire broke out in the collapsed social hall. The leaking natural gas fed the fire, which allowed it to spread quickly. The fire went to two alarms, and eventually to three to bring extra manpower to the scene.
Utility crews from BGE quickly arrived, but had to dig up a portion of Route 32 (Sykesville Road) in front of the fire station to access the shutoff valve. Eventually, the line was shut down around 12:00 pm, allowing firefighters to access the building to put out the fire. To read more click here.
Or to see pictures of the damage please visit Teltek’s Flickr page by clicking here
After walking through the firehouse tonight to assess the damage of the telecommunications I was left speechless. I personally have been a member at SVFD for nearly 10 years now and can still remember the excitement of the new construction, which is now nearly a total loss. The damage is truly catastrophic, but there is no doubt in my mind that company 12 will endure and rebuild.
I was amazed to see the number of people that showed up to volunteer this evening – there must have been 25 or 30 different people scurrying around to help out with everything from electrical work and moping the floors to chipping away ice and helping to set up the temporary living quarters. Firefighters, EMT’S, and Rescue Personnel are the people that the community turns to when they have an emergency and now it is the community’s turn to give back. I hope to see the residents of Sykesville/Eldersburg and the surrounding recognize that we are in a time of need and offer their support!
The firehouse is in desperate need of donations. For the time being they would prefer monetary contributions in place of supplies, equipment, etc. as they do not currently have the space to store them while they establish their temporary operations. These can be sent to: Sykesville FD, P.O. Box 275, Sykesville, MD 21784. Please also send me an email here if you contribute so that we can ensure recognition.
Teltek will also be collecting items, which will be donated when the time suits the firehouse. These items can be dropped off at our Westminster office located at 236 East Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157. Types of supplies that are needed: new bedding, blankets, etc, new kitchen items, office supplies, bottled water, Gatorade, coffee, hot chocolate, and nonperishable foods, DVD’S, Games, and entertainment items, etc.. If you wish to donate please contact the Teltek office prior to delivering donations to ensure we are available to accept your contribution: Chris Nicoli at 410-552-6580 or cnicoli@myteltek.com.
We sincerely appreciate your support!
Chris Nicoli, CEO & The Teltek Team
