Firefighters Contain Marsh Fire Threatening Homes In Chesapeake Beach

CHESAPEAKE BEACH, Md. — Firefighters quickly contained a brush fire that threatened nearby homes in the Chesapeake Beach area on New Year’s Day.

The fire was reported at approximately 6:39 p.m. Jan. 1, 2026 in the 8700 block of Bayside Road, where crews found two areas of marsh grass burning near residential properties along Bayside Road and D Street.

Firefighters deployed attack lines and worked from both roadways to contain the fire, which officials said came within about 10 feet of the property lines of nearby homes.

. Additional crews positioned themselves between the marsh and residences to protect exposed properties while suppression efforts continued.

The fire was contained to an area measuring approximately 50 feet by 200 feet, officials said. Firefighters remained on scene for about 90 minutes, checking for hot spots, wetting down the area, and addressing a tree involved in the fire.

No injuries were reported and no structures were damaged. The cause of the fire remains undetermined.

Fire officials reminded residents to use caution with smoking materials and fireworks near marsh grass, noting the vegetation is highly combustible. Crews also urged the public to keep fire hydrants clear to allow access during emergencies.