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Hughesville Responds to House Fire with Multiple Fatalities
By Safety Officer Brad Saunders
August 10, 2025
On August 10th at approximately 8:45 am, Hughesville Volunteers were alerted to North Declaration Court in Waldorf for the house fire with subjects trapped. Chief 2, Chief 2B and Engine 22 responded. First arriving units from Waldorf found a two story, single family dwelling with heavy fire. A short time later, Engine 22 arrived on scene and was assigned to stretch a handline to side "Charlie". The crew pulled a 400 ft 1-3/4 attack line and utilized a line over ladder technique to attempt suppression efforts on Division 2 through a rear window, where initial reports indicated the trapped occupants were located. Due to the rapidly advancing fire, units were unable to make entry into the structure, at which time a defensive fire attack was initiated. Engine 22's crew assisted with suppression from the exterior of the dwelling but was able to see a deceased victim through the window. Once the fire was extinguished, units remained on the scene pending arrival of the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office and the Charles County Sheriff's Office for the investigation. Engine 22 was released from the scene. As a result of this incident, four children and two adults perished.
During this incident, one firefighter suffered a medical emergency and was transported to the hospital. The firefighter has since been released and is recovering. During this incident, Station 2 had a second crew at the station. We would also like to thank Huntingtown VFD from neighboring Calvert County, who provided a fill in at our station while Engine 22 operated on the scene.
Hughesville VFD and Rescue Squad would like to extend our condolences to the family, friends, co-workers, and classmates of the deceased. The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office has advised this is the deadliest house fire in Maryland in over a decade. If you or someone you know is struggling to deal with the horrific events that occurred, please reach out to a local facility for assistance. The community is grieving this loss together and we will work together to ensure that we all heal in a timely fashion.
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