At approximately 09:15 hours Benedict, Hughesville, Prince Frederick, Baden, Huntingtown, and Waldorf Volunteer Fire Departments were alerted to 6707 Animal Shelter Rd. (Charles County Animal Shelter) for smoke in a commercial building. Engine 5-3, Tanker 5, and Ambulance 5-8 all responded to the incident. First arriving Tanker 2 and Chief 2-A (Hughesville) reported smoke showing from the roof and chimney area. Chief 2-A assumed the command. Engine 5-3 arrived shortly after. The officer from Engine 5-3, and the crews from Tanker 2, and Engine 22 entered the building with a light haze. Crews found a backed up furnace to be the source of the light haze and strong exhaust odor. Command held units from Company 5, Company 2, and Calvert Tower 2, to secure the furnace and perform ventilation operations. At 09:53 hours units from Company 5 went in-service.
