50 Years Ago Monday March 1, 1976

Four fighters were injured Sunday afternoon while battling a mountain fire west of Thurmont. The fire involved more than 35 acres of woodland burned out of control for approximately five hours before forestry officials termed it “under control.” Fire companies responding to the fire on the Old Mink farm on Old Mink Farm Road were Lewistown, Thurmont, Graceham and ... (Full Story)

Did you know that Frederick County Fire & Rescue is a combination department of both career and volunteer personnel? Did you know that Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue operate 33 stations—and 27 of those are volunteer-owned? Our volunteers are the backbone of emergency services, responding to calls, maintaining equipment, and keeping our community safe. As call volumes continue to rise, ... (Full Story & Photos)

20 Years Ago Today, Thursday February 16, 2006

The name Chip Jewell is becoming well known around Frederick.

He was recently recognized as the author of “Firefighting in Frederick County,” his second pictorial history of firefighting. He’s been a volunteer in the service for 30 years, and for the past three years has served as the director of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services. ... (Full Story)

We live in a part of the country that gets snow and ice. Winter driving isn’t solely about dealing with snow, ice on the road is a bigger threat. Black ice, in particular, is very dangerous because it’s invisible. Are you prepared to drive in these conditions?

Planning and preventative maintenance are important year-round—but especially when it comes to winter driving. We have attached for your ... (Full Story & Photos)

Winter Storm WARNINGS can be life-threatening and severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours.

Winter storms create higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning and heart attacks from overexertion. Winter storms and blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds.

Winter storms can: last a few hours to several ... (Full Story & Photos)

As winter and colder weather approach, the use of portable heaters increases. Electric or gas heaters are very handy to supplement insufficient heat in offices, homes, and other areas; however, they can create hazards if not used properly. Without careful monitoring, heaters can create an electric shock hazard, burns to users, carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, or possibly even explosions.

Recent ... (Full Story)

As the seasons change, prepare for the heating your home safely by following some simple safety steps.

Have you chimney cleaned and checked before using fireplace or woodstove.

Have you furnace checked and cleaned.

Make sure you dispose of all coals and embers in water, never in plastic bags, paper bags or cardboard boxes. Embers can remain hot for several days. Do not store embers inside of house, ... (Full Story & Photos)

BURN PERMIT APPLICATION AND PAYMENT NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

FREDERICK, MD – The Frederick County Health Department's Environmental Health office is excited to announce that the application process for burn permits can now be completed completely online at Health.FrederickCountyMD.gov/BurnPermit.

The process begins when a community member submits an application for a burn permit. Health Department staff ... (Full Story)

Our volunteers demonstrate dedication and professionalism every day as they prepare to serve their community.

We come from all walks of life. Our volunteers work as mechanics, bankers, and retail store employees. Some of us are in real estate, car sales, and the fast-food industry. We build houses, farm, and drive trucks. We have volunteers who can embroider shirts and those who are students and ... (Full Story & Photos)

As many of you are aware, I have written that the fire station of the United Steam Fire Engine Co. NO. 3 at 79 South Market Street is the oldest continuously operating fire station in the United States. I have been in recent communications with Paul Vincent, a firefighter in the City of York, PA, historian and Trustee of the Laurel Fire Company in York. He has been doing some extensive research and, ... (Full Story & Photos)

Maryland State Police Reminding Motorists Move Over Law Expanded To All Vehicles on Oct. 1, 2022

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – The Maryland State Police are reminding motorists that on October 1, 2022, the Move Over Law in Maryland expanded to require motorists to make a lane change or slow down when approaching any stopped, standing, or parked vehicle displaying warning signals – including hazard warning ... (Full Story & Photos)

Frederick County Schools are in session! Frederick County Fire and Rescue Services would like to remind motorists to be alert when travelling through school zones and neighborhoods where children are present. Children are difficult to see and are the most unpredictable pedestrians. Children are usually very comfortable in their surroundings, whether they are running and playing with friends, or ... (Full Story & Photos)

Keeping hands clean through improved hand hygiene is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water. If clean, running water is not accessible, as is common in many parts of the world, use soap and available water. If soap and water are unavailable, use ... (Full Story & Photos)

Whether you work full time outside the home or are simply going out for the evening, you want the best possible care for your children while you are away from them. Before you hire anyone to watch over your children, make sure they are a mature, experienced, capable individual who truly cares about the welfare of the children.

Babysitting can be a great money earning opportunity but it comes with ... (Full Story & Photos)

Is Your Family Riding in a Safe Manner?

Protecting children in cars requires a long-term commitment. Field experience during child safety seat checkpoints show that 9 out of 10 child safety seats are not being used or installed correctly.

Children progress through the use of infant seats, toddler seats and finally booster seats before they are of the proper age, height, and weight to wear the vehicle ... (Full Story & Photos)