Each year, wildfire burns millions of acres of land. Research around home destruction vs. home survival in wildfires point to embers and small flames as the main way that the majority of homes ignite in wildfires. Embers are burning pieces of airborne wood and/or vegetation that can be carried more than a mile through the wind can cause spot fires and ignite homes, debris and other objects.

There ... (Full Story & Photos)

The Ridge VFD would like to thank and recognize all the people that participated in the search for the missing Clark boys. The search started in the afternoon hours of Monday, April 5th (pausing at nightfall) and continued until the early evening of Tuesday, April 6th. The local authorities working this event alongside the Ridge VFD were: St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland Department of ... (Full Story & Photos)

4-01 Box, 15:21 - Tanker 44 was dispatched to 18751 Hogaboom Lane in St. Mary's City, MD to assist with setting up a landing site for MSP Trooper 7 Helicopter. Ambulance 499 (Ridge VRS) requested a medevac for a patient that needed to go to a trauma center due to their injuries. Crews from Tanker 44 assisted with loading the patient into Trooper 7. Units went in service at 15:50.... (Full Story & Photos)

Outdoor burning is common in our area, particularly in the springtime when homeowners burn debris and brush on their property. These fires often grow into uncontrolled burns and wildfires, which can result in enormous losses of natural resources, personal property, and even lives. The Maryland Forest Service responds to 325 wildfires – 96% of which are started by people - that burn 3,200 acres annually. ... (Full Story & Photos)

4-01 Box, 10:24- Squad 4 was dispatched to the area of 47600 Mattapany Road in St. Mary's City for the reported motor vehicle accident with one victim pinned in the vehicle. Chief 4 arrived on the scene at 10:29 and reported one vehicle in the roadway with possibly a second vehicle involved East of the scene. Chief 4 established the command and directed Squad 4 to enter the scene from the Three Notch ... (Full Story & Photos)

You know how important it is to have working smoke alarms, escape plans, and a designated meeting place in case of a fire. But, did you know that closing your doors in your home is also important for your safety? Closed doors can reduce fire growth and smoke spread, limit damage to your home, keep temperatures down, and can even save your life if you become trapped.

According to the Underwriters ... (Full Story & Photos)

4-06 Box, 15:53- Squad 4 responded to the intersection of Wynne Road and Point Lookout Road for the reported motor vehicle accident with police on the scene. Chief 4A arrived on location at 15:53 and reported a patient with hip pain. Squad 4 and Engine 41 arrived, assessed the patient and secured all vehicles involved. One patient was transported by Ambulance 499 to St. Mary's Hospital. All units ... (Full Story & Photos)

The following products were recently recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):

1) Name of product: illu-Mist Battery-Powered Garden Sprayers

Hazard: The sprayer’s lithium-ion battery can overheat, posing a fire hazard.
Recall date: March 18, 2021

For more information visit:
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/HD-Hudson-Recalls-Battery-Powered-Sprayers-Due-to-Fire-Hazard

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2) ... (Full Story & Photos)