Home in Fairplay destroyed in blaze

November 23, 2008

FAIRPLAY - A chimney fire that ignited an interior wall has been blamed for a fire Friday night that destroyed a mobile home at 16867 Taylors Landing Road, according to a press release from the Maryland State Fire Marshal's office.

Damage to the structure, which is owned by Melvin and Teresa Gossard, was estimated at $30,000 while its contents were valued at $10,000, Maryland State Fire Marshal Jason W. Mowbray said.

The family was not home at the time of the fire and there were no injuries, Mowbray said.

A passer-by spotted the fire, which was reported at 9:12 p.m., Mowbray said. There were no smoke alarms in the home, he said.

A total of 31 firefighters from Fairplay, Sharpsburg, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Funkstown and Halfway had the fire under control within 25 minutes, Mowbray said. The Washington County Rehab Unit also was called to the scene, he said.

Bob McEnroe, disaster action team chairman for the Washington County chapter of the American Red Cross, said the Gossards and their five children were assisted with lodging and clothing.

In the wake of the fire, the Fountain Rock Elementary School PTA has organized a clothing drive for the Gossard family.

Melvin Gossard needs size 36-by-34 pants, extra large shirts and size 12 wide shoes. Teresa Gossard needs size 22 or 2X pants, extra large shirts and size 10 shoes.

The Gossards' four sons need size 2T clothing and size 8 1/2 shoes; size 6 clothing and size 3 shoes; size 8-10 clothing and size 5 shoes; and size 33-by-32 pants, medium/large shirts and size 9 shoes.

The Gossards' 13-year-old daughter needs size 13-14 clothing and size 10 shoes.

Items can be dropped off at the school at 17145 Lappans Road.

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