Taneytown Couple Loses Home And Dog After Fast-Moving Fire Tears Through House

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

A Maryland couple is facing an unimaginable future after a fire tore through their home, claiming the life of a beloved dog. 

Fire crews in Carroll County were called to the one-story home on the 4100 block of McMullen Road in Taneytown around 4:40 PM on Nov. 14, officials said. 

The homeowner discovered the fire, and Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Department arrived to find flames coming from the bathroom area.

Because the fire moved quickly, firefighters from Pleasant Valley and surrounding companies rushed to the scene.

An estimated 65 firefighters worked to get the blaze under control, knocking it down in roughly 40 minutes, investigators said.

The Taneytown fire.

GoFundMe

The Maryland State Fire Marshal determined the fire was accidental, caused by unattended candles. No one was hurt — though one dog perished — but the flames caused an estimated $200,000 in damage to the single-story home.

Now, neighbors are rallying behind the family as they begin rebuilding after the fire took their dog and their home.

The Taneytown fire.

GoFundMe

Doug and Vickie Trout escaped the fire with two of their dogs, Clyde and Oakley, but could not save Hadley, according to neighbor and fundraiser organizer Casey McWilliams.

"In addition to grieving this loss, they are now faced with the overwhelming challenge of rebuilding their lives from the ground up," McWilliams said. "In moments like these, no one should have to face the road ahead alone."

The Taneytown fire.

GoFundMe

Neighbors said Doug and Vickie are known in the community for their kindness, and now the town is stepping up for them.

The fundraiser aims to cover urgent needs like clothing, toiletries, and essentials while easing the financial burden as they begin the long process of recovery.

The Taneytown fire.

GoFundMe

Those looking to assist the family can do so here.

"They have a long road ahead of them, and we want to help them out by raising funds for them while they work on getting everything sorted out," McWilliams posted. "We started a GoFundMe page to help them out. Any little bit helps."