85 Year Old Church Strikes 2 Alarm Fire In Benedicts First Due

On Friday, at approximately 1436 hours, Benedict Volunteers were alerted to the 7200 block of Benedict Avenue at the St. Francis DeSales Church for the building fire. Chief 5A (S.Kerrigan), while passing the scene to respond to the station, advised Charles County the church had smoke showing from all sides through the eaves, and to dispatch two additional tankers. Engine 5-3, under the command of Captain 5 (A. Stephens) responded with 5 personnel. Engine 53 arrived on the scene with heavy smoke showing from all sides, and advised Chief 5A would have command, at which time he started the second alarm. 53's crew advanced a line to the main area of the church on the first floor, to find dense smoke conditions. The crew quickly ventilated the church and began a search. Captain 5 advised command of heavy fire in the basement and for Engine 23 to advance a line to the basement. The crews quickly put a knock on the fire, stopping any spread. All first alarm units were assigned with opening up the floor on the altar to gain access to the fire between the floors. Second alarm units were placed in staging, and Calvert Squad 6 was assigned the RIT team. The fire originated in an oil furnace in the basement, which caused the oil from the tank to drain into the basement. The Charles County Hazardous Materials Response Team arrived on scene to assist in stopping the leak and to remove as much of the oil as possible. After an extensive overhaul operation, Command placed units in service as they were ready. Cause of the fire is to believed to have been the malfunction of the furnace, and a dollar amount of the damage has not yet been obtained. Units operated on the scene for approximately 4 hours.