Today, the Charles County Volunteer Fire & EMS Association partnered with the Westlake Volunteer Fire & EMS Department to host a firehouse tour and firefighter gear demonstration for The Arc of Southern Maryland.

The Arc of Southern Maryland is a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), empowering them to achieve independence and thrive ... (Full Story & Photos)

At approximately 12:45 PM today, an alarm monitoring company notified the 911 center of a smoke detector activation at a home in the 3400 block of Williamsburg Drive in the Pinefield community of Waldorf. Waldorf Volunteer firefighters and surrounding departments responded to the scene. Within minutes, Battalion Chief 3B (Mills) arrived and confirmed fire on the first floor with extension into the ... (Full Story & Photos)

After 56 years of dedicated service, the Fire and EMS community recognizes the retirement of Chief Wayne Higdon, whose commitment and selfless devotion have made a significant impact on lives throughout the region.

Chief Higdon began his career with the District of Columbia Fire & EMS Department in 1975 before continuing as a Maryland Emergency Medical Technician. For more than five decades, ... (Full Story & Photos)

Charles County volunteer firefighters faced another challenging incident on Thursday, June 25, 2026, as they responded to their second simultaneous working structure fire of the evening. The back-to-back emergencies demonstrated the unwavering commitment and rapid response of both volunteer and career personnel throughout Charles County and neighboring jurisdictions.

Shortly after 5:00 p.m., Hughesville ... (Full Story & Photos)

Volunteer firefighters acted quickly Thursday evening to keep a residential fire from spreading after crews responded to reports of smoke inside a home in the White Plains area.

Around 5:00 p.m., Westlake Volunteers and nearby departments were dispatched to a reported house fire. Initial reports suggested that someone may have been trapped inside the residence.

When firefighters arrived, they observed ... (Full Story & Photos)

The Charles County Volunteer Firemen’s Association honors and remembers the members of its fire, rescue, and EMS family who were recognized during the 2026 Maryland State Firefighters Association and Ladies Auxiliary Memorial Service held on June 21, 2026, in Ocean City, Maryland. This annual event serves as a solemn tribute to those who dedicated their lives to serving others, whose legacy continues ... (Full Story & Photos)

The wait is over: Sparky the Fire Dog is helping introduce this year’s Fire Prevention Week™ theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.”

Fire Prevention Week 2026 will be observed October 4–10, with this year’s campaign focused on safe charging habits and lithium-ion battery fire prevention. From cell phones and tablets to laptops, e-bikes, scooters, power tools, toys, and other ... (Full Story & Photos)

At approximately 9:00 PM, the Charles County 911 Center received a report that a man had fallen into a sewer hole at an IShine Place address in Nanjemoy. The caller stated that the strong odor prevented her from getting close to the individual. Emergency dispatchers immediately dispatched the "confined space" assignment to respond to the incident.

Fire and EMS units from Nanjemoy arrived within minutes ... (Full Story & Photos)

June 1–7 is recognized as National CPR & AED Awareness Week, a time to remind community members that learning basic lifesaving skills can make a critical difference during an emergency.

When someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest, every second counts. Immediate CPR can help maintain blood flow to the brain and vital organs until emergency medical services arrive. An automated external defibrillator, ... (Full Story & Photos)

We share the news of the passing of Mr. John O. Gatton, Sr., a respected figure in the fire and EMS community, who passed away peacefully last evening surrounded by his family.

Mr. Gatton is remembered for his wit, wisdom, kindness, and dedication throughout his life of service. For many years, he served the community as a barber, forming lasting friendships and making a positive impact on those ... (Full Story & Photos)

On Friday, May 22, 2026, Charles County High School Fire Rescue Cadet Classes 29 and 30 held their 30th Annual Dinner and Awards Banquet at the Potomac Heights Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad. Parents, grandparents, fire and EMS department leaders, and community supporters attended the event, along with Charles County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria Navarro and members of the Board ... (Full Story & Photos)

Scott Hutchinson is widely recognized as the steady force that keeps the Southern Region fire program operating safely and effectively. In 2025, he responded to numerous wildfires and supported prescribed burns across private, local, state, and federal lands, bringing decades of experience to each assignment.

Scott is a constant and trusted presence, whether serving on the fireline, preparing burn ... (Full Story & Photos)

At 11:46 this morning, Fire and EMS units from La Plata Volunteer Fire Department and neighboring departments responded to the 11000 block of James Joyce Court for a reported structure fire at the rear of a residence. Engine 11, Truck #1 and Battalion Chief 1B arrived within minutes, with Engine 11 confirming a small fire outside the home that had started to spread inward.

Incident command was established ... (Full Story & Photos)