On Sunday November 20th at approximately 1400 hours, units from Thurmont were alerted for a brush and woods fire in the 15000 block of Sabillasville Road. As is routine in this part of the county, difficult access and high wind conditions led to a very quickly spreading fire. Additional units were requested, including brush trucks, ATVs, tankers, and manpower units. Crews worked for hours to contain the fire, which started from a downed power line. At 1745 hours, a call went out across the county for any available manpower to respond to the scene to assist units already operating there. B156 and U15 responded with 6 volunteers. The crews operated for several hours, hitting the hot spots and burning snags. The fire was declared out late in the evening and units cleared.

At 0130 hours on Monday units were again alerted to a woods fire in the vicinity of the first fire. The incident again quickly elevated in scale and B156(Sgt. Chapman) was alerted to respond at around 0300 hours. B156 was on scene assisting with suppression efforts unit 1000 hours. The cause of the second fire is believed to be burning embers that were carried from the first fire. Thanks to all of our volunteers who spend many hours to help contain these fires.