A two-story single-family home in Indian Head, Charles County, was completely destroyed by an early-morning structure fire Thursday, displacing one resident who suffered burns while escaping and sending one firefighter to the hospital after a fall on ice.
The blaze at 5450 Powerline Place was reported at 3:59 a.m. on January 29, 2026. The occupant detected the smell of smoke, investigated, discovered flames in the living room, and sustained burns to the hands during evacuation. The individual was transported by ambulance to a hospital for treatment. No deaths occurred, and one person was displaced.
Firefighters from the Tenth District Volunteer Fire Department, the primary responding agency, arrived amid heavy ice conditions on the road. Crews used multiple brush trucks to access the remote structure. Twenty firefighters battled the fire for two hours to bring it under control. One responder was transported to the hospital after slipping on ice.
Estimated losses total $300,000, with $250,000 to the structure and $50,000 to contents. The home was fully destroyed. Smoke alarm status remains undetermined, and no fire alarm or sprinkler system was present. No arrests were made. The preliminary cause is under investigation by authorities.
The incident highlights challenges faced by first responders during winter weather in Southern Maryland’s rural areas, where icy roads and limited access complicate operations for volunteer departments like the Tenth District. The fire originated in the living room, discovered by the occupant before spreading rapidly.
Charles County fire investigations typically examine electrical, heating, or other common residential ignition sources in such cases, though specifics await final determination. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office often collaborates on structure fires with injuries or significant damage.
This event underscores the importance of escape planning and awareness in single-family homes, particularly in areas prone to delayed response due to terrain or weather. Southern Maryland communities, including Indian Head, rely heavily on volunteer fire services for rapid intervention in residential incidents.