INDIAN HEAD, Md. — Firefighters battled a wind-driven house fire complicated by high-voltage power lines Monday afternoon in Indian Head, after flames were reported coming through the roof of a single-story home.
Emergency crews were dispatched around 3:21 p.m. on Feb. 23, 2026, to 5 Oak Street after a caller reported a neighbor’s house was on fire. Initial reports indicated flames were visible from the roof.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered active fire on the right side of the home with heavy smoke conditions inside. Command officers quickly declared a working incident as crews deployed hose lines and began fire suppression operations.
Officials later determined the blaze originated from an oven fire on the right side of the residence that extended into the attic space. Smoke was observed pushing from the center of the roof as firefighters opened the attic to check for fire spread.
All residents had evacuated before crews arrived. Authorities reported two adults, three children and three pets were displaced and assistance was requested from the American Red Cross.
One animal was initially located inside the kitchen area but was safely removed to the front of the home during operations. A loose dog was also reported in the area while crews worked.
Firefighting efforts were complicated by a high-voltage power line and an electrical meter hanging from the right side of the house. Crews were ordered to clear the front and right sides of the residence due to the electrical hazard, and the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) was notified.
SMECO arrived and secured the power, allowing firefighters to safely continue extinguishing remaining hot spots. Prior to the utility company shutting off electricity, officials reported wind conditions were contributing to fire spread.
By approximately 3:31 p.m., the majority of the fire had been knocked down. No injuries were reported.
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