LA PLATA, Md. — Firefighters from multiple stations responded to an early morning house fire in La Plata that left the structure heavily damaged and two dogs unaccounted for.
Charles County emergency dispatchers received a 911 call at approximately 5:20 a.m. on April 17, 2025, reporting a blaze in the laundry room of a residence in the 6100 block of Kerrick Drive. The caller advised that two dogs were inside the home, which was already engulfed in flames by the time crews arrived.
The fire was quickly upgraded to a working incident, prompting a large-scale mutual aid response that included engines, tankers, and squads from several area stations. Crews began arriving around 5:27 a.m. and reported visible fire showing on the front of the single-story home.
“Charlie side is fully involved,” a tactical command update stated minutes after arrival, as firefighters began laying hose lines and initiating exterior operations. A swimming pool on the property’s rear side was noted as a potential water source, and crews established their primary supply line from nearby Fescue Circle and Sweetgrass Circle.
Three people were able to escape the fire, but the two dogs remained inside. A short time later, the caller relayed that “the house is gone,” indicating the fire had consumed most of the structure.
At least two additional tankers were requested, and a command post was established at the front of the residence. Fire officials called for support from the Red Cross, SMECO, and the state fire marshal. At one point during the response, a firefighter reportedly suffered a seizure. Emergency medical personnel treated the individual at the scene and confirmed they were a member of Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department.
By 6:10 a.m., all fire personnel had been accounted for and removed from the structure. Operations transitioned to exterior-only with the use of a master stream to knock down remaining hot spots.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
All photos courtesy of the Charles County Volunteer Fire and Emergency Medical Services.
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It was horrendous — I noticed the flames shooting probably about 90-100″ in the sky at 5:45, ran front door looking to see above trees where it was, Huge plumes of flames and heavy smoke pouring in the sky. Walked 3 houses down from and was shocked to see the middle portion of houses collapse. One fireman walked on the
unburning side of house where I was standing safe distance on road at curve.
He confirmed that the family had excaped safely. Phew! Left a few minutes after learning there so that emergency workers could do what they needed to do.
Thanks to the personnel who rushed to the rescue.
That’s amazing! Flames that were 90 inches high? They must’ve been visible from the upstairs window of a nearby house.