At approximately 11:32 a.m. on January 20, Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department (Company 2) and surrounding mutual aid units were dispatched to the 39000 block of Cooney Neck Road for a reported structure fire. Multiple 911 callers indicated a garage fire with flames extending into the attached home.

Chief 2A, Trowbridge, arrived shortly after dispatch and reported smoke showing from the first floor of a one-story single-family home with a basement. An active fire was confirmed in the basement with extension into the main living area. The homeowner advised first-arriving crews that all occupants and pets were safely out of the home.

Engine Tanker 24 initiated the primary fire attack, deploying a hoseline to the basement from Side C. A secondary line was stretched through the front door on Side A to address fire conditions on the first floor. Crews encountered fire involvement in the basement, first floor, and attic areas.
A Working Incident Task Force was requested, bringing in additional resources from Bay District Volunteer Fire Department, including Rescue Engine 92 and Safety 9 from the California station.

Rescue Engine 92 was assigned as the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT), a dedicated group of firefighters whose sole purpose is to stand by and be ready to immediately rescue fellow firefighters should they become trapped, injured, or otherwise endangered during interior operations. The presence of a RIT significantly improves firefighter safety on the fireground.

Safety Officer 9 was assigned as the Incident Safety Officer to monitor operational hazards and ensure adherence to safety protocols. Once suppression efforts were completed, the RIT team was reassigned to assist with overhaul and extinguishment of remaining hot spots. All Bay District units remained on scene until released by command.

A water supply operation was quickly established, and SMECO arrived to secure utilities. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office provided traffic control, closing sections of Cooney Neck Road, New Market Turner Road, and All Faith Church Road during the response.

The fire was declared under control at approximately 12:11 p.m. Overhaul and monitoring for hot spots continued for a short time.

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Fire Safety Reminder: Ensure your home is equipped with working smoke alarms on every level, especially near sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.

** All Photos Courtesy of Mechanicsville VFD **