| WALDORF, MD – On Sunday, October 18, 2026, at approximately 3:10 a.m., firefighters from Charles County were dispatched to the area of 33 Industrial Park Drive in Waldorf for a reported commercial structure fire.
The Charles County 911 Communications Center received multiple emergency calls from motorists passing through the area reporting a large fire involving what appeared to be several vehicles.
Firefighters from the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department, including Engine 31 and Chief 3A, arrived on the scene in less than five minutes and encountered numerous utility vehicles heavily involved in fire beneath a covered parking structure adjacent to a commercial building occupied by Verizon.
Recognizing the magnitude of the incident and the potential for fire extension into the adjoining building, command immediately requested a second alarm and additional firefighting resources.
The incident ultimately brought approximately 100 firefighters to the scene, with mutual assistance from surrounding jurisdictions. Additional resources from St. Mary's, Calvert, and Prince George's counties, along with departments from Washington, D.C., Alexandria, and Fairfax, assisted with emergency operations and provided station coverage throughout the region.
Firefighters mounted an aggressive fire suppression operation, concentrating their efforts on containing the rapidly spreading fire and protecting the adjoining commercial structure. Despite the extensive fire conditions involving multiple vehicles and the covered parking area, firefighters successfully prevented the flames from extending into the building.
The fire was brought under control in approximately one hour, with emergency personnel remaining on the scene for more than three hours conducting extinguishment, overhaul, and other emergency operations.
According to information released by the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, the fire resulted in the destruction of 27 vehicles, their contents, and the covered parking structure, resulting in millions of dollars in property damage.
Remarkably, despite the magnitude of the fire and the extensive property damage, no injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported.
The Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal responded to the scene and is conducting an investigation to determine the fire's area of origin and cause. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information concerning this incident is encouraged to contact the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, Southern Regional Office, at 410-414-3600.
The Charles County Volunteer Fire and EMS Associations recognize the exceptional efforts of the responding volunteer and career firefighters, emergency communications personnel, and mutual aid agencies whose coordinated response brought this significant incident under control while preventing additional damage to the adjoining commercial building.
The successful outcome of this incident demonstrates the importance of regional cooperation, effective incident command, and the dedication of the men and women who serve and protect our communities. |
