Firefighter Injured While Dozens Battled Quickly Spreading Wildfire Near Darlington

DARLINGTON, MD — A downed power line in the woods on property owned by Exelon sparked a brush and woods fire Saturday around 7:46 a.m. that covered an estimated 18 acres.

Firefighters were called to the area of Baldhill Lane and Silver Lane in Darlington. One emergency call came from a Delmarva Power technician who discovered a fire spreading across a hill near the Susquehanna River that was ignited by the downed power line, according to the Harford County Fire Department. The blaze was fueled by dry conditions and winds, officials stated.

Several local fire departments with upwards of 50 firefighters showed up to help contain the fire, along with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources fire Service. Crews remained on site to control hot spots and use a bulldozer along with a variety of other equipment to help curb the fire's risk of spreading.

A state police helicopter was deployed to help provide an aerial view of the burning ground. Firefighters used water tankers to haul water from the Susquehanna River at the Glen Cove Marina and the Broad Creek Marina to fight the fire. They are also used 4-wheel drive trucks and UTVs to travel across the rough terrain.

One firefighter was injured and taken to the hospital, but has since been discharged.