On Wednesday, at 0734 hours, the street assignment was dispatched for smoke in a house at 9304 Alcona Street in Lanham, MD. . Engine Companies 48, 30, 33,  Truck 28 and Rescue Squad 18 were alerted to the run.

As units were responding on the run, Fire Communications advised of a person trapped on the upper floor. Kentland Volunteers on Engine 332 arriving first, found a split-level home with smoke showing and fire on both floors.
 

As the Officer and Lineman from Engine 331 advanced the front bumper line, Wagon Driver Jerry Engle placed a 14-foot ground ladder to the reported area of the trapped occupant. As he took out the window with the tip and scaled upward he heard a faint cry from inside. He then without the protection of a hoseline or SCBA entered the bedroom were he located an approximatley 300 pound female at the foot of her bed. He was able to get under her body and carry her to the window were he had first entered. Wagon Driver Engle then place himself under her entire body and pushed her backward onto the ladder.

As he began descending towards the ground, a member from Truck Company 28 assisted with the patient. Ambulance 137 and a PGFD Medic Unit from the Lanham area gave care once safe outside. During the time of the rescue, Crews from the engine companies on the scene extinguished the fire in the home as the Special Services performed searches and overhaul. The trapped occupant was transported to an area hospital were she is in stable condition.