The Office of the State Fire Marshal ‘Major Incident Response Team’ (MIRT) Activates

On March 12, 2017, the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s major incident response team was deployed to assist the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services Fire Investigation Division with an investigation into the origin and cause of a residential dwelling fire. The Saturday, March 11th fire located at 11910 Emerald Court, Ellicott City was cause for the response of multiple area fire companies. The three-story, nearly 3,000 sq.ft. home was fully engulfed upon arrival of the first arriving apparatus on the scene. The blaze required several hours of effort to bring under control. After an initial examination of the scene and the forecasted weather conditions, the Howard County Fire Investigations Division determined the need for additional assistance. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATFE) is also providing assistance with the investigation.

The origin and cause remains under investigation at this time. If you have any information regarding the incident, please contact the Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Service’s Office of the Fire Marshal at 410-313-6040.

** The OSFM ‘MIRT’ was formed in 2017 as a result of several major incidents over the past several years; including the civil unrest in Baltimore City, the Annapolis mansion fire where six people lost their lives and the Montgomery County gas explosion that killed seven occupants and injured several more at an apartment complex in Silver Spring to name a few. The team is formed of multiple Deputy State Fire Marshals, a Bomb Technician, Accelerant Detection Canine Team, Fire Protection Engineer and the Fire Investigation Response Unit. When needed: a Fire Safety Inspector, and the Public Information Officer will respond as well. The team will be activated on major incidents throughout the State. The MIRT will provide manpower, origin and cause investigations, witness interviews, photographer and evidence collection.