Firefighters were dispatched shortly before 8:45 p.m. following reports of smoke and flames inside a two-story single-family residence. First-arriving crews encountered smoke showing from the home, with fire conditions visible from the structure.
Most importantly, the occupant of the residence was alerted to the fire by a working smoke alarm, providing the early warning needed to safely escape the home. Several cats were also able to make it safely outside.
Hughesville's Chief 2B (Chite) established command as firefighters immediately began an aggressive attack on the fire while additional crews established a water supply and coordinated apparatus operations along Trotter Road.
Due to the extent of the incident, mutual-aid resources were requested from surrounding jurisdictions, including firefighters from St. Mary’s and Prince George's counties, to assist Charles County.
During interior operations, one firefighter experienced a breathing-mask malfunction and safely exited the structure.
EMS personnel were requested to evaluate the homeowner. The occupant is currently being assisted by the American Red Cross following the fire.
There were no reported injuries to the occupant, Office of the State Fire Marshal was on the scene and fire is still under investigation at this time.
🚨 WORKING SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES!
This incident is another real-life example of why every home needs working smoke alarms. Early notification can provide you and your family with the precious time needed to escape before fire and smoke conditions rapidly worsen.
✅ Have working smoke alarms on every level of your home.
✅ Test your alarms regularly.
✅ Develop and practice a home escape plan.
✅ Once outside, stay outside and call 911.
Charles County Volunteer Fire & EMS reminds everyone: when a smoke alarm sounds, every second counts.
Waldorf Tower 3, Truck #11, Squad 10, Chief 2 (assigned Division C), and St. Mary's Squad 2 arrived and assisted in moving residents and staff away from any danger from the fire and smoke. As more units arrived, Command Battalion Chief 1B (Godwin) assigned teams to help senior residents either shelter in place or move to the front foyer of the building.
Command requested a precautionary second alarm to stage at the Clark Senior Center to be used as needed. Also, a "EMS Task Force" was requested to assist with evaluating the 31 residents on the fire floor. The fire was extinguished within 12 minutes of arrival. EMS units evaluated 31 residents of the facility, with one individual transported to the local hospital for a non-life-threatening evaluation.
No residents or staff were ever in danger, and quick coordination on scene prevented any further injuries. The Fire Marshal's Office is conducting an investigation into the cause of the incident.
SMECO and the Charles County Health Department were requested and responded to the scene. The La Plata Police Department and Charles County Sheriff's Office also assisted during the incident.
Point-of-Contact: nwtfsomdchapter@gmail.com • 301-752-4292
Start Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
End Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Duration: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
SOUTHERN MARYLAND — THE 2026 FREEDOM BASH IS COMING! 🎟️
Saturday, August 29, the NWTF Southern Maryland Chapter and Hughesville VFD are bringing the Freedom Bash to Hughesville!
🎟️ 25 chances to win with every Freedom Bash ticket
🍗 Buffet-style food included
🥤 Soda & water included
🍺 Beer, wine & seltzers included
🎉 Silent auction, 50/50 & additional raffles
⏰ Drawings every 10 minutes starting at noon
🎫 Attending AND non-attending tickets available
📍 Hughesville VFD
📅 August 29, 2026
🚪 Doors: 11:30 AM | Event: Noon–4 PM
Plus, there’s a separate chance to win a Racka RGC2 2+2 golf cart! Golf cart drawing tickets are $100, and you do not have to attend the Freedom Bash to participate.
those Heroes that ran in so that others could run out.
Each year at MISSION BBQ, we make September 11 a very special day. It is our privilege to
Honor and Support Our Hometown Heroes. As a small gesture of appreciation, all Firefighters,
First Responders, and Police Officers are served a Free Sandwich.
At noon, we will have a live version of the National Anthem and we will thank all our local
Firefighters, First Responders, and Police Officers in attendance for what they do for Our
Communities.
It would be our privilege to serve you, and we hope to see you on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026, MARK YOUR CALENDARS.
Proudly Serving Those Who Serve,
Suzanne Dickerson
Community Ambassador
Mission BBQ, Waldorf
Paramedic Ambulance 14, already in the area, was the first unit to arrive and confirmed an active structure fire.
Engine 143 and Engine 61 arrived shortly afterward and immediately went to work. With no WATER hydrant system available in the area, crews established a water supply through a drafting operation from the Potomac River.
The officer of Engine 61, Goldsmith, reported heavy fire conditions involving both the first and second floors of the two-story, single-family residence.
🔥 FIREFIGHTING OPERATIONS
Crews from E61, E143, and E12 advanced multiple hose lines to contain the rapidly developing fire. Truck 1 and Truck 28 assisted with operations and confirmed that no occupants remained inside the residence.
Upon his arrival, BC28 (NDW Battalion Chief) established command. Command was subsequently transferred to BC1B (Godwin), with BC28 assigned as Operations.
Due to the volume of fire and the challenges associated with maintaining an adequate water supply, crews transitioned to a master-stream operation utilizing Truck 1 and Truck 28.
Command also requested two fireboats to provide an additional water-supply resource to support fireground operations.
🚒 REGIONAL MUTUAL-AID RESPONSE
Mutual-aid companies and personnel from Charles County, St. Mary’s County, King George County and NDW Dahlgren responded to Cobb Island and assisted throughout the incident. Fire and EMS personnel operated at the scene for approximately five hours, working through extreme summer heat and challenging fire conditions.
The fire was ultimately brought under control, and all occupants were accounted for.
A 73-year-old female resident and owner of the home was subsequently transported to an area hospital after experiencing chest pain and symptoms of smoke inhalation.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal will conduct an investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. The American Red Cross was requested to assist the displaced family.
While numerous companies operated on Cuckold Creek Road, surrounding departments also helped maintain emergency coverage for the community. Engine 112 from Bryans Road transferred to Cobb Island, while Leonardtown Engine 11 transferred to Newburg.
Date: Aug 19 @ 1800
Presenter: Sharon Garner
Topic: Cringe Leader Conversation - Sweaty Palms and Straight Talk
Location: CCVRS Company 51, 2 Calvert Street, La Plata
Training Schedule
Friday, August 21
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Firefighter Safety: Mistakes & Best Practices
This interactive program examines the lessons learned from more than 500 near-miss reports and line-of-duty death investigations. Participants will explore the ten most common mistakes made on the fireground, along with ten proven best practices that improve firefighter safety, command effectiveness, communications, staffing, strategic decision-making, and overall operational performance.
Saturday, August 22
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Flawed Situational Awareness: The Stealth Killer of First Responders
This full-day program examines one of the leading contributors to firefighter injuries and fatalities—flawed situational awareness. Drawing from extensive research into hundreds of emergency incidents, Dr. Gasaway explains why responders sometimes fail to recognize critical warning signs, even when they are present.
Attendees will learn how factors such as complacency, task fixation, communication breakdowns, cognitive biases, mission myopia, staffing challenges, organizational culture, and other human factors can impair decision-making during high-risk, high-stress incidents. The course provides practical strategies for recognizing and overcoming these barriers to improve operational safety and incident outcomes.
About the Instructor
Dr. Richard B. Gasaway is internationally recognized as a leading authority on human factors, situational awareness, and high-risk decision-making. During his 33-year fire service career, he served as a firefighter, EMT, paramedic, company officer, training officer, fire chief, and incident commander. His research and training have reached more than 100,000 emergency responders worldwide, helping organizations improve emergency scene safety and decision-making under pressure.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the fire service's most respected instructors. Whether you are a new firefighter or an experienced chief officer, these programs provide valuable insights that can enhance your decision-making, strengthen your situational awareness, and help keep you and your crews safe.
Engine 83 initiated an aggressive fire attack, assisted by Truck 1 and Truck 11. Battalion Chief 8B (Newman) established command and assigned operations to Chief 10A (Williams). Engine 73 supported the effort with a secondary attack line, helping to keep the fire under control.
The fire was extinguished in approximately 10 minutes. FTA1 and TA7 provided water supply during the operation. No injuries were reported. SMECO was present on scene, and command has requested the Office of the State Fire Marshal to conduct an investigation into the cause of the incident.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Viewing will take place on Monday, August 3, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department, located at 911 Washington Avenue, La Plata, MD 20646. A Fireman’s Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 PM.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department. A procession will follow to Trinity Memorial Gardens, 3221 Mattawoman Beantown Road, Waldorf, MD 20601.
A repass will take place immediately following the burial at the Waldorf Jaycees, 3090 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD 20601.
The community is asked to keep Mark’s family, friends, coworkers, and all members of the EMS and law enforcement community in their thoughts during this difficult time.
Information regarding intersection coverage requests will be shared as it becomes available.
Mark’s decades of faithful service to Charles County are deeply appreciated, and his dedication, friendship, and sacrifice will always be honored.