Prince Frederick, Md. — Firefighters from multiple Southern Maryland departments battled a structure fire that damaged a single-family home in the 1000 block of Clay Hammond Road on Tuesday afternoon, displacing two residents who received assistance from the Red Cross.
The incident occurred at 1010 Clay Hammond Road in Prince Frederick, Calvert County, with the initial dispatch at 12:57 p.m. on April 14, 2026. A passerby discovered the fire, which originated in the garage of the single-family house. The preliminary cause remains under investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal Southern Region.
Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department served as the primary responding agency, with approximately 30 firefighters operating on scene across one alarm. Crews brought the fire under control in about 2.5 hours. No injuries or deaths were reported, and no arrests were made.
Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department dispatched Engine 62 and Tanker 6 to support suppression efforts. Engine 62 advanced a line to the first floor to back up initial companies, then repositioned for line-over-ladder operations before returning inside for overhaul and cleanup. Driver M. Clark handled fireground water supply. Tanker 6 provided continuous water supply throughout the incident.
St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department responded with Engine 72, Squad 7, Tanker 7 and Rehab 7. Engine 72 operated as the Rapid Intervention Team while Tanker 7 assisted with water supply. Once the situation stabilized, Engine 72 and Squad 7 moved to the second floor for overhaul under the supervision of Chief R. Weems. Rehab 7 supplied water and sustenance to firefighters. Earlier that day, units from St. Leonard also handled a separate medical call for a dehydrated patient in the woods.
Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department and other companies, including units from additional departments, responded as part of the working fire dispatch. The call included evacuation tones and noted fire throughout the structure, with Squad 2 responding.
Estimated losses totaled $200,000, including $175,000 in structural damage and $25,000 in contents. Smoke alarm and fire alarm or sprinkler status were not available.
The two displaced residents are receiving support from the Red Cross. Authorities ask anyone with additional information to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal Southern Region at 410-414-3600.
This response highlights the coordinated efforts of volunteer fire companies in Calvert County, where mutual aid plays a key role in protecting rural and suburban communities. Multiple departments staffing six or more pieces of apparatus demonstrates the region’s reliance on dedicated volunteers who balance fire suppression with other emergency calls on the same day.
Southern Maryland fire agencies continue to emphasize fire prevention and rapid response, especially in residential areas like Prince Frederick where homes may include attached garages that can accelerate fire spread. The Office of the State Fire Marshal routinely investigates such incidents to determine origin and cause, providing valuable data for local safety initiatives.
Residents in Calvert County can access fire safety resources through local departments, including tips on garage storage, electrical safety and having working smoke alarms. The quick discovery by a passerby and prompt multi-company response helped limit the fire’s impact despite the significant damage reported.
