LA PLATA, Md. — The La Plata Volunteer Fire Department, with support from mutual aid companies, responded to a severe house fire in the 6100 block of Kerrick Drive at 5:22 a.m. on April 17, 2025, which left a homeowner hospitalized, two dogs deceased, and a firefighter injured. The three-hour effort was complicated by concurrent emergencies, including a structure fire in Faulkner and a motor vehicle collision in La Plata, underscoring the department’s critical role in Charles County’s safety.
Engine 12, Tanker 1, and Chief 1A were dispatched immediately, arriving to find a one-story, single-family home with heavy fire breaking through the roof. “Charlie side is fully involved,” tactical command reported, as crews faced intense flames.
Firefighters deployed hose lines and initiated exterior operations, sourcing water from a nearby swimming pool and supply lines from Fescue Circle and Sweetgrass Circle. The incident was upgraded to a working fire, bringing additional resources from stations like Mechanicsville and Dentsville.
Crews worked for over three hours, shifting to exterior-only operations by 6:10 a.m. and using a master stream to douse remaining flames. The homeowner was transported to an area hospital for smoke inhalation treatment. Tragically, two family dogs perished in the fire.
A firefighter from Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department sustained burn injuries and was treated on-site after a reported seizure, highlighting the dangers of firefighting. Chief 1A maintained La Plata Command, coordinating with the Red Cross for resident assistance, SMECO for utility support, and the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office for an ongoing investigation into the fire’s cause.
As the Kerrick Drive fire raged, a second working fire was dispatched in Faulkner, requiring the rapid reallocation of resources. Simultaneously, a motor vehicle collision in La Plata demanded further crew response, testing the department’s capacity.
The Red Cross is assisting the displaced family, and the department urges residents to ensure working smoke alarms to prevent future tragedies.
