On April 27 and 28, 2025, the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association (SMVFA) gathered in solemn remembrance and spirited celebration during its annual convention and memorial service. Hosted by the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, this year’s convention held special significance as Past President and Past Chief Tom Mattingly Jr. was installed as the incoming President of the Association.

The ... (Full Story & Photos)

BOAT IN DISTRESS - NOT TAKING ON WATER

At 2:13 PM today our 911 center received a few emergency calls for sailboat overturned on the Potomac River near Chapmans Point. The Fire/EMS resources were dispatched to the area to attempt to locate the vessel. Command established by Chief 7 (Gimmel), a sail boat was observed on its side just off shore approximately 40 feet. Fire Boat #8 launched and arrived ... (Full Story & Photos)

Nanjemoy, MD – The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office has concluded its investigation into an early morning house fire that occurred in the 2100 block of Sandy Point Road in Nanjemoy. The fire, which broke out shortly after midnight on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, has been ruled accidental, caused by improperly discarded smoking materials on the rear deck of the residence.

The home, a double-wide trailer, ... (Full Story & Photos)

By National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) April 14, 2025

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is issuing an urgent warning to the public about a fraudulent website impersonating the organization and attempting to deceive supporters into making illegitimate donations.

The counterfeit website, operating under the domain fireheros.org, is a deceptive and unauthorized clone of ... (Full Story & Photos)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Incident: Sunken Vessel at Rivah Restaurant and Marina
Date: April 10, 2025

Location: Rivah Restaurant and Marina

On April 10, 2025 at approximately 8:00 PM, emergency units were dispatched to the Rivah Restaurant and Marina for a report of a 38-foot vessel that had sunk while moored at the pier.

Upon arrival, Chief 6 assumed command and coordinated response operations. According ... (Full Story & Photos)

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that the Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad Inc., announces the passing of Founding Member Elvan A. Hedges. Elvan passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 91 years of age.

Elvan was instrumental in the organization of the Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department and served as the first President of the department. Elvan had 72 years of ... (Full Story & Photos)

It is with great sadness that the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department announces the passing of Life Member, Past President, and operational member Robert Gerald (Jerry) Hardy. Jerry passed away on March 24, 2025. Jerry started his volunteer firefighting at the Forestville Volunteer Fire Dept for 6 years before joining the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Dept in 1972.
Jerry remained active with the department ... (Full Story & Photos)

Charles County, MD – March 20, 2025 – A coordinated effort by 36 volunteer Fire/EMS personnel led to the successful location and rescue of an elderly man who had wandered into a wooded area near the Potomac Branch Library on Tuesday afternoon.

At approximately 4:35 PM, the Charles County 911 Center received a call reporting that an elderly male had been seen walking out of the Potomac Branch Library ... (Full Story & Photos)

Bryans Road, MD – At approximately 2:00 PM, the Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire in the area of Gabriel Drive and Edgewood Road. Engine 112, Engine Tanker 11, Chief 11A, Chief 11B, and Ambulance 119 responded immediately with a total of 10 personnel.

Upon arrival, units encountered a fast-moving brush fire that had extended to a nearby residence. Thanks ... (Full Story & Photos)

On March 20, 2025, a house fire was reported to our 911 center at approximately 4:00 PM on Progress Court in the White Oak neighborhood.
Caller reported smoke emanating from a neighbor's roof. Upon arrival, firefighters observed smoke pouring from all sides of the home, with flames in the attic. Approximately 25 minutes into their response, a partial roof collapse was reported as crews worked to ... (Full Story & Photos)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2025 – This morning, the latest cohort of cadet trainees participated in a highly anticipated "Live Fire Exercise" as part of their ongoing training. The event was designed to enhance their understanding of personal safety, teamwork, and fire behavior—key aspects of their development as future firefighters.
The cadets had the unique opportunity to engage in realistic, ... (Full Story & Photos)

That’s wonderful news! Huge congratulations to EMT/Sergeant Ashley Jones on receiving the Potomac Heights VFD Fire Chief’s Award—such a well-deserved recognition for her dedication and quick action during a medical emergency at Lackey High School. A big thank you to Chief Gimmel for acknowledging her efforts, and to all the volunteers who work tirelessly to keep our community safe.... (Full Story & Photos)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2025
Fire at Macy’s Department Store in St. Charles Mall Quickly Contained
Waldorf, MD — On Friday, March 7, 2025, at approximately 12:25 p.m., a fire was reported at the Macy's Department Store located in the St. Charles Mall in Waldorf, Charles County, Maryland.
Fire and emergency response units from multiple stations, including Waldorf Fire Stations 3 and 12, La Plata, ... (Full Story & Photos)