At approximately 12:52 p.m. on Monday afternoon, emergency units were dispatched for Box Alarm 6-2 to the 6500 block of Cabin Ridge Road in Hurlock for a reported structure fire.

Upon arrival, first-arriving crews encountered a fully involved outbuilding with fire spreading to the adjacent residential dwelling. An immediate request for additional resources was made. Multiple mutual aid departments were alerted to assist with suppression efforts and search operations.

Reports also indicated that animals may have been trapped inside the dwelling. Firefighters worked not only to extinguish the flames but also to conduct a search for any animals that may have been in danger. Fortunately, a neighbor and Good Samaritan had entered the structure and helped to safely remove most of the animals.

Rescue Engine 16-1’s crew was assigned as RIT, the Rapid Intervention Team. RIT is on scene for firefighter protection in the event of a Mayday. RIT crews must always be ready to rescue a fellow firefighter in a time of need, whether they are trapped, disoriented, injured, etc.

As of this report, the Fire Marshal has ruled that a chicken coop heater was the cause of the fire in the outbuilding. No chickens were injured during the incident.