Chesapeake Beach, MD – Firefighters from Calvert, Charles, and Prince George’s Counties responded to a significant house fire in the 4500 block of Camp Roosevelt Drive early Saturday morning. The fire consumed a two-story single-family home, posing substantial challenges due to icy and snow-covered conditions.
The North Beach Volunteer Fire Department (NBVFD) reported the fire at 3:58 a.m., with Safety Officer 1 being the first to arrive. Upon arrival, crews found the structure fully engulfed in flames, with fire showing from multiple floors and the roof. Due to the fire’s intensity, firefighters quickly transitioned to a defensive operation.
The home was located over 3,000 feet from the main road, and the snow and ice rendered the driveway inaccessible to large fire apparatus. Crews identified an alternate access point in a neighboring driveway and deployed long attack lines to combat the fire.
Units from Prince Frederick VFD, North Beach VFD, Dunkirk VFD, and mutual aid partners worked tirelessly for approximately 4.5 hours to contain the fire. Engine 21, Tower 2, Squad 2, and other apparatus played a critical role in managing the defensive operation.
NBVFD emphasized the importance of maintaining accessible driveways for emergency vehicles during winter weather. Homeowners are reminded to:
- Clear snow and ice from driveways.
- Trim overhanging tree branches to allow vehicle access.
- Ensure house numbers are visible.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office was called to the scene to determine the fire’s origin and cause. The homeowners evacuated safely before the fire department’s arrival, and no injuries were reported.
