A massive fire burned at the dining hall for a boy’s camp in Maryland on Wednesday while camp was in session, authorities say.
The 2-alarm blaze broke out just before 7:30 a.m. at Camp Airy in Thurmont, according to anews releasefrom Frederick County Fire and Rescue.
More than100 personnelarrived to fight the fire, which wasconfined to the original building, the department said in a pair of posts on Facebook.
No one was injured, and neither staff nor campers were in the area when the fire broke out, the department said.
A representative for Camp Airy did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Firefighters battle blaze at Camp Airy in Maryland.Frederick County (MD) Fire & Rescue
Camp Airy is an overnight camp for Jewish boys entering grades 2 through 12, according to itswebsite.
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The Frederick County Emergency Communications Center first received calls about Wednesday’s fire at Camp Airy around 7:27 a.m., according to Frederick County Fire and Rescue. Units reportedly saw smoke upon arriving at the facility on Old Camp Airy Road.
A second alarm wasrequestedjust before 7:45 a.m., per the department’s initial post. Units from both Maryland and Pennsylvania responded to the call.
Flames and smoke pour out of the dining hall at Camp Airy in Maryland.Frederick County (MD) Fire & Rescue
The dining hall, also known as “the White House,” was commonly used as a meeting place for campers. The camp described it as “a hub of activity” in its letter to parents.
Several activities are being relocated as a result of the fire, but Camp Airy promised to continue to feed campers “on time” and “with the quality meals” expected of the camp.
Flames burst through doors at the dining hall for Camp Airy in Maryland.Frederick County (MD) Fire & Rescue
“What is important to know is that no one has been hurt, and camp will move forward with the full slate of activities,” the camp said in its letter to parents.
An investigation into Wednesday’s fire is ongoing, Frederick County Fire and Rescue said in its release.
In the meantime, the department said “community members should expect a heavy fire and police presence in the area for quite some time.”
source: people.com
