Waldorf, Md. — On January 21, 2026, 49 Fire/EMS personnel responded to a garage fire that damaged a two-story single-family home in Waldorf, displacing two residents.

At approximately 5:45 a.m., Fire/EMS units were dispatched to the 3500 block of Catskill Street after 911 callers reported smoke coming from a residential garage. All occupants safely exited the home before fire personnel arrived.

Firefighters encountered smoke throughout the residence and confirmed active fire in the garage. Incident command was established, and crews began fire suppression, ventilation, and checks for fire extension into the structure.

SMECO crews shut off electric to the home as a safety precaution. Searches confirmed that all residents were out, while firefighters continued efforts to remove smoke from both floors after the fire was extinguished.

The incident was declared under control by approximately 6:20 a.m., with crews remaining on scene to complete overhaul operations. One volunteer firefighter was medically evaluated on location; no transport to a hospital was necessary.

Command reports a space heater found in the garage may have contributed to the fire. However, the official cause has not yet been determined and remains under investigation.

The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the two adults displaced by the fire. Fire and EMS units returned to service later in the morning.