Published: March 11, 2009 11:56 pm      

Family homeless after fire

No injuries in Lonaconing blaze

LONACONING — The Mary Fazenbaker family was left homeless Wednesday when fire of an unknown origin destroyed a Bluebaugh Road residence.

Goodwill Volunteer Fire Chief Bobby Ritchie said the fire apparently began in the kitchen of the two-story frame dwelling at 16600 Bluebaugh Road, located not far from state Route 36 in the Water Station Run Road area.

“It was well involved when we first got there. There was fire coming from all of the second floor,” said Ritchie.

There were no injuries in the 8:28 a.m. fire, which was first reported to the Allegany County 911 Joint Communications by an off-duty Cumberland police officer, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.

A pet dog perished in the fire, which occurred when no one was present.

Firefighters relied on tankers that transported water from hydrants at St. Mary’s Church Terrace and Water Station Run Road and at Furnace Park in Lonaconing. A hydrant in the area of Powell’s Grocery was discovered broken when firefighters attempted to use it.

The Fazenbaker family is reportedly being assisted with its immediate needs by the American Red Cross.

The fire marshal’s office estimated the loss to the structure at $125,000 and at least $50,000 to its contents. The property was declared a total loss.

More than 60 volunteer firefighters responded to the scene where Maryland State Deputy Fire Marshal Mike Mattingly continued Wednesday afternoon to investigate the cause of the blaze. Deputy Chief Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray also investigated.

Volunteer fire companies responding included Barton, Midland, Potomac, Ellerslie, Mount Savage, Clarysville, LaVale, Bloomington, Piedmont, New Creek and Fountain.

Georges Creek Rescue Squad also responded and Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Company stood by at Midland’s station during the incident.

Allegheny Power and Columbia Gas also responded.

Contact Jeffrey Alderton at jlalderton@times-news.com.