Firefighter Injured After Roof Collapse During Garage Fire In Charles County
File photo, courtesy of the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department

LA PLATA, Md. – A detached garage fire Monday evening in La Plata led to a roof collapse and sent one firefighter to the hospital for evaluation.

Fire and rescue crews were dispatched around 6:30 p.m. Jan. 26, 2026 to the 7200 block of Hawthorne Road, where they found a detached garage fully involved behind a residence. Officials described the structure as a shed or garage approximately 10 by 20 feet, with limited access for fire apparatus.

During firefighting operations, a mayday was declared after part of the roof collapsed. Command ordered all crews to evacuate the structure, and a subsequent personnel accountability check confirmed all firefighters were accounted for.

One volunteer firefighter was transported to UM Charles Regional Medical Center as a precaution. Officials said the injuries were non-life-threatening.

Due to access limitations, a water tanker shuttle was established from the Armory area to support firefighting operations. The fire was eventually brought under control, and crews remained on scene for overhaul.

The garage was being used as a living space and received electrical power from the main residence. The fire may have originated from an electrical issue.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office was notified to investigate.


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JB is a local journalist and the Senior News Producer at The BayNet, delivering sharp, on-the-ground reporting across Southern Maryland. From breaking news and public safety to community voices and fundraising,...

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