A two-story single-family dwelling in the 42000 block of Fairgrounds Road in Leonardtown, St. Mary’s County, was completely destroyed by fire early Thursday, January 8, 2026, resulting in the deaths of two dogs and one cat. No human injuries or fatalities occurred, but three occupants were displaced and are receiving assistance from family members. The Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department served as the primary responding agency, with 45 firefighters controlling the blaze in two hours after it was discovered by a passing motorist.
The fire was reported at 12:42 a.m., classified as a one-alarm incident. Firefighters found the structure fully involved upon arrival. Smoke alarms were present in the home, though their activation status remains unknown, and a fire alarm or sprinkler system was also present with activation undetermined. The area of origin was the interior of the home, and the preliminary cause is under investigation by fire officials. Estimated damages total $550,000, with $400,000 to the structure and $150,000 to contents. No arrests were made.
The absence of occupants at the time of the fire prevented any human casualties, but the loss of the pets added a tragic element to the incident. The entire home was declared a total loss. St. Mary’s County fire investigators continue to examine the scene to determine the exact origin and cause of the blaze, a standard procedure for significant structure fires.
The Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, which provides primary fire protection and emergency services to the Leonardtown area and surrounding communities in St. Mary’s County, mobilized resources swiftly to contain the fire. Volunteer departments in Southern Maryland play a critical role in responding to residential fires, often arriving within minutes to protect life and property in rural and suburban settings. Fairgrounds Road, located near the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, is a residential corridor in Leonardtown, a historic town that serves as the county seat.
This incident highlights the destructive potential of house fires, even when no one is home, and the importance of smoke alarms and early detection. The displacement of three residents underscores the personal impact of such events, though family support has mitigated immediate housing needs. Fire officials have not released further details on potential contributing factors, such as electrical issues, appliances or other ignition sources, pending the ongoing investigation.
Residents in Southern Maryland are reminded that structure fires can spread rapidly, and the loss of pets in unoccupied homes remains a recurring concern in fire statistics. The Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department has a long history of community service, responding to a range of emergencies including residential, commercial and wildland incidents in the region.