The Hagerstown Fire Department responded to a high-rise fire early Sunday morning at Potomac Towers.
At 3:07 a.m., units were dispatched for an automatic fire alarm. As calls began reporting smoke in the building, the incident was upgraded to an apartment fire.
Engine 1 arrived to find smoke showing from the eighth floor on the east side of the building. Crews located heavy fire conditions in an apartment on that floor and began suppression efforts using a pressurized water extinguisher while extending a high-rise line from the standpipe system.
The apartment’s occupant had evacuated to the balcony during the fire and was rescued by crews. The individual was transported by Community Rescue Service to Meritus Medical Center.
Firefighters encountered smoke in multiple apartments on upper floors and assisted in evacuating residents while sheltering others in place as needed. One firefighter was also transported to Meritus Medical Center for evaluation.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
