At 07:07 on September 16, 2005 Bay District Station 9 (California, MD) along with Station 7 (Hollywood VFD), Station 83 (Solomon's VRS & FD) and Station 79 (Hollywood VRS) to a residence in California for a working shed fire. Engine 91 responded under the command of Fire Sergeant Kyle Adams and arrived reporting a working fire and requested Engine 74 (HVFD) to supply Engine 91 upon arrival and have their crew assist with extinguishment. Fire Sergeant Adams assisted his crew with stretching a 1.75" attack line for extinguishment and to protect the exposures.
While assisting with fire attack Fire Sergeant Adams heard a "Bang/Pop" noise and felt a burning sensation in his right arm. Being as Fire Sergeant Adams was approximately six feet from the shed he had assumed that the bang noise and burning sensation was a tire exploding and a hot ember/debris that had hit his arm. Upon arrival of mutual aid companies Fire Sergeant Adams was relieved of his extinguishment duties and assumed the position of incident commander. Units from HVFD and SVRS&FD assisted with extinguishment and pulled a back up line.
Once the incident stabilized Fire Sergeant Adams removed his running coat to find a small incision on his right upper arm. Fire Sergeant Adams was evaluated by EMS (HVRS) and declined transport to St. Mary's Hospital. Fire Sergeant Adams transported himself to St. Mary's Hospital where he was evaluated to find a single bullet still remaining in his right arm. Fire Sergeant Adams was released and will consult with a surgeon for further diagnosis and treatment.
Further investigation revealed that the shed had numerous guns and bullet reloading equipment/supplies (Black powder etc). After the incident the owner had stated that he had heard "shells" going off and they had hit his vehicle prior to the arrival of the fire department.
Maryland State Fire Marshall Office was called to investigate the cause which is still under investigation.