Just before 3pm on Tuesday April 4, 2023, numerous Baltimore and Carroll County stations were alerted for a report of a large wildland fire in the Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area, a large area of scrub brush and heavy forest bordered on all sides by residential communities. Arriving units found a well-advanced wild fire burning 15-20 acres, and quickly requested additional resources, including units from the Upperco Volunteer Fire Company, to the scene. Due to extremely dry conditions and dangerous fire-enhancing weather conditions, the fire rapidly grew and spread out of control, threatening neighborhoods and businesses surrounding the area. With flames raging above the treetops, and units rapidly being overtaken and forced to abandon even defensive positions, incident command quickly escalated the assignment, eventually reaching (officially) 8+ alarms of equipment, bringing nearly 100 emergency vehicles and well over 200 responders to the scene, from nearly all jurisdictions across central Maryland. Firefighters fought intense fire conditions, and utilized multiple local, regional, and State resources, including extensive helicopter water drops, to attempt to bring this historic conflagration under control.

As of the time of this posting, units continue to operate on the scene, with command reporting the fire 90% contained. Units, including ATV 85, will remain on scene throughout the night, working with Maryland Forest Service resources to continue to manage flare ups and hotspots, and to continue to bring the fire to a contained and controlled state. Official reports from the Baltimore County Fire Department Public Information Office report that the fire has burned well over 700 acres, and may approach 800 acres by the time the incident is closed out.

This response highlights the incredible working relationship between our hardworking volunteer and career partners from across the region, and this labor-intensive effort displays the paramount professionalism and dedication to protection of the public from all of the members of the Upperco VFC and surrounding companies and jurisdictions.