Lusby, Md. — A vehicle became fully engulfed in flames at the intersection of Solomons Island Road and Nursery Road in Lusby on January 6, 2026, prompting a response from the St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department amid limited initial resources.
The blaze occurred just south of White Sands Drive in Calvert County. Chief Ricky Weems II reported that at the time of the call, the department’s resources were stretched thin. Ambulance 77 was committed to a medical call, Engine 71 was assisting Company 20 with a medical emergency in their primary response area, and Engine 72 was attending a pumps class in La Plata.
Tanker 7, carrying two firefighters, was the first unit to arrive on scene. Crews found the vehicle fully involved in fire and immediately initiated suppression using the 1 1/2-inch bumper hose line. Engine 71, with six firefighters, joined the effort after clearing their prior medical assist and assisted in fully extinguishing the flames.
No injuries were reported from the incident, and the fire was brought under control without extension to nearby structures or vegetation. Solomons Island Road, a primary north-south route in Calvert County, experiences moderate to heavy traffic, particularly near commercial and residential areas in Lusby, making rapid response critical to prevent secondary hazards such as traffic disruptions or spread to adjacent properties.
The St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department, designated as Company 7, serves the southern portion of Calvert County, including Lusby, St. Leonard, and surrounding communities. The department operates with a combination of volunteers and often relies on mutual aid from neighboring companies during overlapping calls. This incident highlighted the challenges volunteer departments face when multiple emergencies occur simultaneously, a common scenario in Southern Maryland’s growing population centers.
Calvert County fire services, including St. Leonard, have emphasized training and resource coordination to maintain readiness. The pumps class in La Plata, attended by Engine 72, is part of ongoing certification and operational proficiency efforts across the region. The quick arrival and effective use of the bumper line by Tanker 7’s crew limited damage and allowed Engine 71 to complete extinguishment efficiently.
Vehicle fires can result from mechanical failures, electrical issues, or collisions, though the specific cause of this incident was not detailed in the initial report. Officials reminded motorists to maintain vehicles and report issues promptly to reduce risks on roadways. Lusby, home to the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant and a mix of residential and commercial development, sees regular traffic on Solomons Island Road connecting to Route 4 and other key arteries.
The St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department continues to recruit volunteers and encourages community support for training and equipment needs. Residents in Calvert County can access fire safety information through county resources and local stations.