Deputy State Fire Marshals are on the scene and actively investigating this two-alarm commercial building fire in Garrett County.
At around 5:45 p.m., the Accident Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding fire departments were dispatched to Friends Stockyard in the 300
block of Stockyard Rd. Firefighters have requested law enforcement and cowboys to assist with the wrangling of cattle that have been left loose. This will be an extended operation. The current temp is 10 degrees.
#Update (7:16 p.m.): Firefighters continue to extinguish the fire. One firefighter has been treated by on-scene EMS and released. Three cows have perished. Our investigators will remain on the scene throughout the night.
#FinalUpdate (1/16/25) – Investigators remained on the scene late into the night and returned Thursday morning. The cause remains under investigation; however, Deputy State Fire Marshals cannot rule out an extension cord plugged into a skid steer or a portable heater. Investigators have no evidence of a criminal act and will continue to look at all accidental causes.
One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was treated/released on scene. Numerous cattle and hogs were able to escape the fire. However, three cattle perished, and three hogs were found inside during overhaul operations with injuries.
More info https://tinyurl.com/462rwsry
A HUGE thank you to all community members and volunteers who worked together to control this fire. We live in an amazing community!
- Accident
- Grantsville
- Friendsville
- Bittinger
- Deep Creek
- Addison
- Confluence
- Gorman
- Eastern Garrett
- Salisbury
- Oakland
- Deer Park
- Markleysburg
- Meyersdale
- Fire Marshal
- Potomac Edison
- MDOT
- Garrett Roads
- Public Utilities
- Garrett County Emergency Services
- Garrett County Emergency Management
- Northern Garrett EMS
- Bittinger EMS
- Accident Auxiliary – Our auxiliary coordinated food and drink donations from several community members and businesses to help feed and keep the firefighters warm.
- Barb Lynch from Hartmans Accident Liberty for coffee.
- Keysers Ridge McDonald’s for the generous donation of burgers and coffee.
- 11 pizzas from Brenda’s Pizzeria donated by a citizen.
- Donuts and snack cakes donated by Rodney from Husky Insulation and Remodeling.
