Downed power line ignites major brush fire in Harford County

BALTIMORE -- A firefighter was injured while working to put out a blaze off the Susquehanna River early Saturday morning, according to Harford County Fire Department. 

Fire crews were dispatched around 7:46 a.m. after receiving a call from a Delmarva Power technician who spotted flames spreading across a hillside near Baldhill Lane and Silver Lane in Darlington, MD.

The fire sparked in the woods by a downed power line on a property owned by Exelon, according to HCFD. 

The blaze quickly spread across more than 4 acres of land due to dry conditions and early morning winds off the river.

Upon arrival, Maryland Forest Service along with local fire departments were able to contain the fire and prevent any further damage to nearby structures. 

Crews then remained on site to control and maintain hot spots with the help of a bulldozer deployed for haul operations. 

40 to 50 firefighter personnel and more than 30 pieces of equipment were involved in the incident, with assistance from Harford, Cecil, and York counties. 

One firefighter suffered a minor injury and was taken to a local hospital, where they have since been released.

Burn Ban in Effect

Dry vegetation and ongoing drought conditions played a crucial role in the incident, exacerbated by seasonal winds that pushed the flames further inland. Fire crews are reminding residents to stay alert and exercise caution during these dry conditions.

On Friday, Maryland was under a red flag warning due to the risk of brush fires across the area from dry conditions, low humidity, and strong wind gusts. 

Maryland's Department of Natural Resources advises all residents to continue adhering to the open-air burn ban issued on November 1.