Fire - St. Lukes Place / Edgemere, MD
September 15, 2021
It was about 10:30am and I was starting to practice, when a sound like that a stegosaur would make after stubbing its toe, resonated trough the hall. I knew what it was and hoped it would soon stop as before, but this time it didn't. I was soon making my way along the 3rd floor to the stairway along with other residents.
Here we hit a snag, because others before us were struggling with canes. Even worse was that someone below was attempting to manipulate a walker while carrying a glass of water, which shattered when she dropped it on the steps. Still, Jerome (one of the maintenance guys) and I were able to help everyone down. |
The first thing I did after getting out, was to head over to the far end of the parking lot, where others were already gathering.
Along the way, I took the following two photos.
Along the way, I took the following two photos.
Once settled, I started taking the following
In the back, a fire department staff vehicle pulls into the lot.
It's soon followed by a Fire Engine.
Here a Firefighter helps guide the Ladder Truck
through a tight turn. The Ladder Truck was used to inspect the roof
for potential outbreaks |
Here is a close up of Millie (L) and Ruth (R),
helping one of the residents across the lot. Then came a Ladder Truck
Close Up
|
Then a gentlemen came over and asked us to assemble in the ground floor Muli-Purpose Room. As we entered though, we saw all this water dripping from the ceiling tiles. So with concern for the resident's safety, we were asked to assemble in the old elementary school nearby.
While I was heading there, I captured the News Choppers
I didn't capture any of this, but firefighters, staff, and residents were helping those with mobility issues make the journey. If anything good can be said about the situation, it was this remarkable spirit and concern for the residents.
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While heading over and hanging out in the shade at the end of the school, I was able to catch these shots ...
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I finally went into the school and waited for Caroline, who had been out doing an errand. When she found me, we sat and talked, and waited with other residents for about 1 & 1/2 hours, until a fire department represented came in and started to read of a list of room numbers where residents could return. Hooray!
The following set of photos show the aftermath and beginning of the repair work. The fire itself was confined to just one apartment, but the water damage to the one wing was extensive.
Occurring on the top (4th) floor, the sprinkler system put out the fire, but the smoke and heat triggered surrounding sprinklers resulting in a small ocean that worked its way down to the ground floor.
Luckily, the wing Caroline and I were on wasn't affected, nor was the wing across the elevator lobby
Luckily, the wing Caroline and I were on wasn't affected, nor was the wing across the elevator lobby
The following six photos were taken by Jerry Jackson of the Baltimore Sun
The were many rumors about the fire, but a Baltimore County Fire Department dispatch said what caused the fire, was a lady on the 4th floor who was using oxygen while smoking. A flame ignited and sped down the tube, setting the woman and the sofa she was sitting on on fire.
Though taken away in critical condition, Darnell Louise Hall, 64, was expected to survive, but passed away on September 20.
Though taken away in critical condition, Darnell Louise Hall, 64, was expected to survive, but passed away on September 20.
Links
Baltimore County Press Release
https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/fire/news/2021/09/16/woman-critically-injured-in-edgemere-fire
Baltimore Sun
https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/baltimore-county/md-edgemere-fire-20210915-zofhzetrrbcs3jmauoostmjbbq-photogallery.html
WBAL
https://www.wbaltv.com/article/injuries-senior-living-apartment-fire-edgemere/37609510
WBFF
https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/breaking-multiple-injuries-at-senior-living-apartment-fire-in-edgemere
WJZ
https://baltimore.cbslocal.com/video/5997744-multiple-injuries-reported-in-fire-at-edgemere-senior-living-apartments/
WJZ
https://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2021/09/15/four-injured-one-critically-in-fire-at-edgemere-senior-living-apartments/
WMAR
https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/multiple-injuries-reported-in-fire-at-senior-living-apartment-in-edgemere
Yahoo
https://finance.yahoo.com/video/four-injured-one-critically-fire-214127880.html
Baltimore County Press Release
https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/fire/news/2021/09/16/woman-critically-injured-in-edgemere-fire
Baltimore Sun
https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/baltimore-county/md-edgemere-fire-20210915-zofhzetrrbcs3jmauoostmjbbq-photogallery.html
WBAL
https://www.wbaltv.com/article/injuries-senior-living-apartment-fire-edgemere/37609510
WBFF
https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/breaking-multiple-injuries-at-senior-living-apartment-fire-in-edgemere
WJZ
https://baltimore.cbslocal.com/video/5997744-multiple-injuries-reported-in-fire-at-edgemere-senior-living-apartments/
WJZ
https://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2021/09/15/four-injured-one-critically-in-fire-at-edgemere-senior-living-apartments/
WMAR
https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/multiple-injuries-reported-in-fire-at-senior-living-apartment-in-edgemere
Yahoo
https://finance.yahoo.com/video/four-injured-one-critically-fire-214127880.html