| Firefighters from the Second District Volunteer Fire Department and several assisting agencies responded late Wednesday night to a significant boat fire at a marina in Drayden that caused an estimated $125,000 in damage and resulted in heat damage to two nearby vessels.
The fire was reported at approximately 11:03 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2026, in the 46500 block of Dennis Point Way in St. Mary’s County. The initial 911 report indicated a boat was actively burning inside the marina near a shop building. Dispatchers quickly upgraded the incident after additional information indicated a large vessel on land was involved and the fire was threatening nearby boats and a structure.
According to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, the fire involved a 61-foot motor vessel that was on land undergoing repairs when the fire broke out. Officials said the lone occupant aboard the vessel discovered the fire in the engine compartment and was able to escape safely. No injuries were reported.
First-arriving crews found one boat heavily involved in fire, with nearby vessels exposed to intense heat. Engine 61 arrived on the scene, laid a supply line along the Side C driveway area, and crews immediately began establishing water supply and deploying hose lines. Additional units were assigned to support fire attack, protect nearby exposures, and prepare for extended water supply operations.
Within the first several minutes, crews confirmed that fire conditions were affecting more than one vessel. Command completed a full assessment of the scene and confirmed two boats were involved or affected, while a nearby structure remained uninvolved. Because the burning vessel was on land and elevated access was limited, firefighters used ladders and aerial equipment to reach sections of the vessel and apply water from above.
Tower 9 was assigned to assist with ladder access and later placed master stream operations into service. Master streams allow crews to flow large volumes of water from an elevated position or fixed appliance, which can be especially useful during fires involving large vessels, difficult access, or heavy fire conditions. Crews also stretched additional hose lines to support the operation and maintain protection for nearby boats.
The incident presented several challenges, including the size of the vessel, the fire’s location within the marina, the proximity of other vessels and a nearby building, and the need to maintain reliable water supply for an extended operation. Tanker support was requested, and crews worked to secure, refill, and reconfigure water supply as fire conditions changed.
During the operation, command maintained accountability checks to ensure all firefighters were accounted for. At times, personnel were ordered away from the vessel area due to changing conditions while master stream operations were restarted. Crews later observed smoke and fire conditions in areas of the vessel that required additional access and continued extinguishment.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office was requested shortly after firefighters arrived and later responded to the scene. Once investigators arrived, command coordinated fireground operations with the investigation, including temporarily stopping water operations when needed. Foam operations were later used from the aerial bucket to apply extinguishing agent from above and assist with final control of the fire.
Approximately 40 firefighters operated on the scene. The fire was brought under control in about 90 minutes, though crews remained on location for overhaul, mop-up, scene monitoring, and support of the investigation. Command was terminated at approximately 2:45 a.m. Thursday, May 8, with remaining units assigned to monitor the area for any possible rekindle.
Investigators estimated damage at approximately $100,000 to the vessel and an additional $25,000 to its contents. Two nearby motor vessels also sustained heat damage as a result of the fire. The preliminary cause remains under investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office. The U.S. Coast Guard was also contacted during the incident for information regarding the vessel’s classification.
Boat owners are reminded to inspect electrical, fuel, and mechanical systems regularly, especially when vessels are undergoing repair work or are stored out of the water. Fire extinguishers should be properly maintained and readily accessible, and enclosed vessel spaces should be equipped with working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when applicable. |
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