| 4-06 Box, 02:59 - On Saturday, May 9, 2026, Ridge VFD, along with units from NAS Webster Field, NAS Patuxent River, Bay District VFD, Second District VFDRS, Leonardtown VFD, Hollywood VFD, and Seventh District VFD were dispatched to the 49800 block of Airedele Road in Ridge for the reported working house fire with possible occupant entrapment. Chief 4A arrived at 03:04 and reported a two-story single family home with heavy fire showing and extension to several vehicles. Chief 4A requested the Working Incident Task Force, bringing additional resources from other surrounding departments. Chief 4 arrived on scene at 03:06 and established Command. It was confirmed there were no occupants inside, however, there were reports of possible pets inside.
Engine 41 arrived shortly after, stretched two lines to the Alpha side; one to the front door, and one to the Alpha/Delta corner. Crews found fire throughout the first and second floors with extensions into the attic. Fire attack began interior (offensive) and exterior (defensive). Engine 141 arrived and the crew stretched a line off Engine 41 to the Delta side to begin a defensive attack on the house and vehicles. Crews from Squad 4, Tanker 4, Engine/Tanker 44, Tower 9, Engine/Tanker 34, Engine 61, Engine/Tanker 63, Squad 7, Engine 71, Truck 13, Engine 10, and Water Supply 5 arrived and continued to lay lines to all sides of the structure and to the upper floors in the house. Chief 4A had command of Side Alpha, Chief 3B had Side Charlie, Chief 4B had Side Delta, and Chief 7B was Safety. Chief 3 had Attack Group. St. Mary’s County Fire Chief 100A arrived and provided command assistance.
Due to unsafe conditions, the interior crews were evacuated and all firefighters continued with a defensive attack. Eventually, the structure had a partial collapse on the Delta side. Chief 4 reported the fire was placed under control at approximately 04:30. Crews were then able to safely make entry for overhaul.
The fire completely destroyed the home, seven vehicles, and caused heat damage to nearby property. All family pets escaped unharmed. The fire displaced the family of seven, with the American Red Cross responding to assist.
In total, 69 fire personnel responded and operated on the scene for over 6 hours. The Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.
We’d like to thank the Seventh District VFD for covering our station with an Engine during the call.
*Select watermarked photos courtesy of Southern Maryland News Net, Jon Douglas, and ScanMD.
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