On Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 6:47 p.m., a significant fire broke out in the 21800 block of Magnolia Drive in California, Maryland. The blaze, reported to have originated in the garage, quickly spread to the attached residence and a nearby camper.

Responding swiftly to the emergency call were the Bay District Stations 9 & 3, Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department, Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department, Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, and Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department. Fire Chief C. Bell (LVFD) arrived on the scene to find flames engulfing the two-story structure with extension into the house and adjacent camper.

Recognizing the escalating severity of the situation, a Tanker Task Force was promptly requested, mobilizing additional firefighters from Hughesville, Mechanicsville, Ridge, Seventh District, Dunkirk, St. Leonard, and Prince Frederick to join the efforts. Chief 9B D. Martoni assumed command of the incident upon arrival.

Fortunately, all occupants of the home were safely evacuated, and no fatalities were reported. However, the homeowner sustained minor burn injuries while attempting to suppress the fire. Additionally, during the course of operations, one firefighter incurred non-life-threatening injuries. Thankfully, they have since been treated and released from an area hospital.

A preliminary investigation into the cause of the fire revealed its origin to be related to a lithium-ion battery charging in the garage.

Fire departments remind residents to exercise caution when handling and charging lithium-ion batteries, as they can pose fire hazards if mishandled or overcharged.

Photos Courtesy of www.scanmd.org