MECHANICSVILLE, Md. – The Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating a house fire in Chaptico that injured three firefighters on February 5, 2024. The three firefighters, who received minor burns, are now at home and recovering.
Fire and rescue personnel responded at approximately 10:44 a.m. to a structure fire in the 36300 block of Notley Woods Lane. Upon arrival, crews observed smoke emanating from the roof of a one-story home, with fire throughout the structure. Additional fire departments and fire boats were called to assist.
Firefighters entered the home and began addressing the fire in the basement. They encountered high heat and zero visibility, but no signs of an active fire at the time.
As conditions began deteriorating, EVAC tones were sounded, and a mayday call was made with firefighters still in the basement. Crews quickly began flowing water in the basement and assisted numerous units in locating the firefighters and helping them to safety.
Maryland State Police Aviation Command, Trooper 7, responded to the scene but was not utilized for any patient transport.
A second alarm was sounded as the condition worsened, bringing units from St. Mary’s, Charles, Calvert, and Prince George’s County to the incident. Once the mayday was cleared, firefighters redeployed the lines into the basement to continue the fire attack. Crews operating on the 1st floor reported that the floor was soft and they needed to back out. Fire had extended from the basement, up through the roof, prompting Command to pull all units out of the 1st floor. Firefighters were able to knock the bulk of the fire down from the exterior and extinguish the fire in the basement.
The blaze was brought under control in approximately 40 minutes, with a total of 50 firefighters responding.
Crews remained on the scene for several hours performing overhaul and hitting hot spots throughout the structure.
Investigators determined the fire originated inside the home, but the cause is unknown at this time. The fire was initially discovered by workers in the home, who alerted the occupant. Smoke alarms in the home were also activated. The estimated loss from the incident is $200,000 for the structure and $50,000 in contents.
Updates will be provided as they become available.
All photos courtesy of the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department and Maryland State Police – Aviation Command.
With an increase in house fires, be sure to check and test your smoke alarms.
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