HAGERSTOWN, MD — The Washington County Division says it was a busy weather week. Over a three day period, the Washington County Division of Emergency Services and volunteer fire companies responded to a surge of water-related emergencies across the region.
In a social media post that follows, the division detailed efforts from Allegany County to Morgan County, West Virginia, and in Washington County. “Our first responders have worked around the clock to protect lives and ensure public safety,” according to the post.
TUESDAY, MAY 13: SUPPORT TO ALLEGANY COUNTY Washington County units were dispatched to assist with major flooding in the Westernport area of Allegany County. Responders from multiple departments deployed resources to aid in flood rescues, including:
BT4 (Clear Spring Fire) BT20-05 (Hancock Fire) BT20-10 (Funkstown Fire) 1806 (Division of Emergency Services) 1803 (Division of Emergency Services) 1801 (Division of Emergency Services) 1810 (Division of Emergency Services) U-21 (Williamsport Fire/EMS) MCC1 (Washington County Mobile Command Center) MCU20 (Division of Emergency Services Mass Casualty Support Unit) WEDNESDAY, MAY 14: FLOODING AT SLEEPY CREEK CAMPGROUND Crews responded to Sleepy Creek Campground off River Road in Morgan County, West Virginia, for a report of two individuals and a dog trapped in a camper. Upon arrival, the incident rapidly expanded to multiple victims and animals. Crews successfully rescued:
15 adults 8 dogs 1 catCrews coordinated the search of 40–50 campers that were submerged in 6–7 feet of water. A shelter was opened at Berkeley Springs School for the displaced campers.
Units Involved included:
BT20-05 (Hancock Fire) BT20-10 (Funkstown Fire) BT20-01 (Sharpsburg Fire) BT2 (Williamsport Fire) BT4 (Clearspring Fire) 1800 (Division of Emergency Services) 1801 (Division of Emergency Services) 1806 (Division of Emergency Services) 1811 (Washington County Division of Emergency Services) U255 (Washington County Rehab Unit)Hazardous conditions, including underwater debris and fast-moving currents, made access difficult, but all individuals and animals were safely brought to shore.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14: TOWPATH RESCUE IN WILLIAMSPORT At approximately 9:30 PM, crews responded to a water rescue on the C&O Canal Towpath near the 98th milepost (Lockwood Road, Williamsport area). One individual was reported standing in water and unable to exit the area.
Units Involved Included:
E21 (Williamsport Fire/EMS) RSQE2 (Williamsport Fire/EMS) UTV2 (Williamsport Fire) AC2 (Williamsport Fire/EMS) 1800 (Division of Emergency Services) EMS1811 (Washington County Division of Emergency Services) MEDIC29 (Williamsport Fire/EMS) BT2010 (Funkstown Fire) BT2 (Williamsport Fire/EMS) BT4 (Clear Spring Fire) Berkeley County BT 90 SAFETY200 (Washington County Vol. Fire and Rescue Assn. Safety Officer)Rescue boats launched via Lockwood Road while a recon team accessed the patient. The individual was safely assisted back to a secure location via a rescue boat and crew.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14: TREE RESCUE NEAR BIG WOODS CAMPGROUND Responders were dispatched to a report of two individuals stranded in a tree due to floodwaters near milepost 83 on the C&O Canal, close to Big Woods Campground.
Units on Scene Included:
E12-1 (Community Fire) RS2001 (Sharpsburg Fire) 1812 (Washington County Division of Emergency Services) MEDIC19-1 (Sharpsburg EMS) BT2001 (Sharpsburg Fire) BT2010 (Funkstown Fire) BT20-11 (Potomac Valley Fire) BT4 (Clear Spring Fire) Jefferson County BT7 Jefferson County AMB7 EMS1812 (Washington County Division of Emergency Services) 1800 (Washington County Division of Emergency Services) 1806 (Washington County Vol. Fire and Rescue Assn. Safety Officer) SAFETY100 (Washington County Vol. Fire and Rescue Assn. Safety Officer) ATV2 (Williamsport Fire) ATV69 (Boonsboro EMS) Maryland State Police Trooper 3 (aerial sweep and hoist readiness)Initial boat access was blocked by significant debris, requiring alternate launch sites and use of ATVs. Boat 11 and Boat 7 launched from the West Virginia side by 9:47 PM. Both individuals were rescued by 10:06 PM.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14: 15-UNIT APARTMENT EVACUATION IN WILLIAMSPORT Just after 9:00 PM, Williamsport firefighters responded to flooding at 163 N. Conococheague Street. The basement was full of water and the Conococheague Creek had flooded the parking lot, blocking exits. A 15-unit apartment building was evacuated as a precaution.
The American Red Cross – Hagerstown Office assisted with:
Relocation of 4 adults Relocation of 4 dogsAll other residents were able to evacuate safely on their own.
THURSDAY, MAY 15: SWIFT WATER RESCUE IN MORGAN COUNTY This morning, emergency crews responded to a swift water rescue in Morgan County after a vehicle became stranded in floodwaters with two victims trapped on the roof. While rescue boats were dispatched and staged, swift water teams used Rescue Squad 59 to drive through the floodwaters. Crews successfully rescued both victims using the bumper of the squad as a platform to reach them.
Units from Washington County on scene:
Hancock Fire E51 BT20-05 (Hancock Fire) BT4 (Clear Spring Fire) Hancock Rescue Squad 59 THURSDAY, MAY 15: SWIFT WATER RESCUE IN WASHINGTON COUNTY This morning, a male individual became trapped in swift water in Southern Washington County. Multiple boats from Washington, Jefferson, and Frederick counties responded to assist. After working to get visuals on the victim, he was safely brought to shore and transported to Frederick Hospital for evaluation.
Units Involved Included:
E81 (Boonsboro Fire – Rohrersville Station) DC11 (Potomac Valley Fire) BT20-11 (Potomac Valley Fire) BT20-01 (Sharpsburg Fire) BT20-10 (Funkstown Fire) Frederick County BT19 Jefferson County BT7 Frederick County AMB19-1 Frederick County MEDIC2 (Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue) SAFETY100 (Washington County Vol. Fire and Rescue Assn. Safety Officer)The Washington County Division of Emergency Services commends the rapid response, coordination, and bravery demonstrated by our local firefighters, DES personnel, and regional partners. Despite treacherous conditions, our teams acted swiftly to protect lives and respond to unfolding emergencies.
