RIDGE, Md.— A Great Mills High School teacher and varsity baseball player lost their home, seven vehicles, and nearly everything they owned after a massive fire tore through their Ridge residence early Saturday morning.
Firefighters responded around 2:59 a.m. May 9, 2026, to a multi family residence in the 49800 block of Airedele Road after reports of a working house fire, according to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal.
When crews arrived, they encountered heavy fire conditions spreading through the two-story home. All seven occupants safely escaped along with two dogs and two cats, officials said.
Among those displaced were Great Mills High School varsity baseball player Carter Moore and his mother, Ms. Norris, a teacher at the school. In the hours following the fire, classmates, parents, friends, and community members quickly organized a GoFundMe campaign to help the family recover from the devastating loss.
As of Monday morning, the fundraiser had raised more than $15,845 through approximately 150 donations toward a $20,000 goal.
“Their family tragically lost their home and belongings in a house fire,” organizers wrote on the fundraiser page. “Any donation, no matter the amount, is greatly appreciated and will go directly to the family as they work through this devastating loss.”
The fundraiser can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-moorenorris-family-after-fire
In addition to financial donations, the family is also seeking clothing donations for three men and four women displaced by the fire. Needed items include men’s clothing in size large and women’s clothing ranging from medium to XL and 3XL.
Donations can be dropped off Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the entrance to the Great Mills High School sports fields. Items may also be delivered to the school’s main office during normal school hours.
Investigators said the fire originated near the rear exterior of the residence. The preliminary cause remains undetermined and continues to be investigated by the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Approximately 60 firefighters from Ridge Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding agencies responded to the scene and brought the fire under control in about two hours.
Officials estimated damage to the structure at $450,000, with an additional $100,000 in damage to the home’s contents. Seven vehicles parked at the property were also destroyed in the blaze.
Authorities confirmed working smoke alarms were present inside the residence. The displaced occupants are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.
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