WHITE PLAINS, Md. — A late-night garage fire heavily damaged (12/3/2025) a two-story home in the 800 block of Copley Avenue Monday after improperly discarded smoking materials sparked the blaze, Charles County fire officials said.
The county’s 911 center received multiple calls at 9:25 p.m. reporting flames visible from the residence in the St. Charles subdivision near White Plains. A full box alarm brought 42 firefighters and EMS personnel from Charles County volunteer departments and mutual aid from Prince George’s County.
Engine 33 from Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department arrived first and reported a working fire in the attached garage with extension into the living space. Chief 3A (Duffer) assumed command and requested the Working Fire Dispatch for additional resources.
Crews faced heavy fire conditions inside the garage and rapid spread into the attic and across the roofline. Evacuation tones sounded briefly to clear personnel from the structure before firefighters re-entered with multiple hose lines to knock down the main body of fire. Primary and secondary searches confirmed both occupants had self-evacuated before firefighters arrived.
The blaze was marked under control within 30 minutes. Overhaul and hot-spot checks continued for another two hours.
Investigators from the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal determined the fire originated in the garage and was accidental, caused by discarded smoking materials. Damage estimates were not immediately released, but the home sustained significant structural loss to the garage, roof, and second floor.
No injuries were reported among residents or responders. The American Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region was contacted to assist the two displaced occupants with temporary lodging and essentials.
Responding Charles County units included Engines 33, 121, 12 and 22; Tower Ladders 3 and 12; Truck 11; Squad 2; Paramedic Ambulance 399; Battalion Chief 3A; and safety officers. Mutual aid came from Prince George’s County Engine 840, Ambulance 836, Truck 825 and Battalion Chief 887.
The incident marks another reminder from the State Fire Marshal that smoking materials remain the leading cause of fatal home fires nationwide. Officials urge residents to fully extinguish cigarettes in deep, sturdy ashtrays and never discard them in mulch, potted plants, or trash receptacles.
