Mt Airy VFC battles detached garage fire with exposure
By Assistant Chief - Fire & Rescue Thomas Gartner
June 19, 2026
On June 19 at 12:16 p.m., units from Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company and surrounding areas were dispatched to a garage fire in the 6500 Block of Runkles Road. Multiple 911 calls and a large column of smoke prompted E12 to request a rapid intervention dispatch while enroute.
E12 arrived and found a 50 by 50-foot detached garage heavily involved in fire, with a partially collapsed roof. A nearby single-family home was at risk from the fire exposure.
E12 quickly deployed two hose lines, one to protect the home and the other to attack the garage fire. Tanker 1 arrived and supplied water to E12. M18 assisted with fire suppression efforts, M19 provided rehabilitation support, and Chief 1-2 served as command officer.
The fire was quickly brought under control, and damage to the home was kept to a minimum. However, the garage and its contents were a complete loss.
The fire was determined to be accidental. Units remained on scene for approximately two hours. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries.
