On Sunday, severe storms swept through Charles County, prompting multiple emergency calls for the Potomac Heights crew. While managing incidents, including a water rescue of victims trapped in a submerged vehicle, firefighters attempted to prepare dinner at the station. Before completing their meal, they were dispatched to another flood-related emergency. Upon returning, they heard alarms and observed smoke in the kitchen, where the station’s sprinkler system had activated, confining the fire to the cabinets and immediate area.
The rapid response of the sprinkler system limited damage to the kitchen, ensuring no injuries occurred. The Potomac Heights station, built in 1975 and renovated in the 1990s to meet updated life safety codes, is equipped with smoke alarms and an automatic fire sprinkler system. This incident underscores the importance of such systems in protecting even fire stations, which serve as critical community hubs.
Fire Chief Michael Gimmel praised the sprinkler system’s performance. “Our members constantly put damages in harm’s way to serve the community. I’m incredibly thankful that our safety systems worked flawlessly to keep them safe at home,” Gimmel said. The station’s infrastructure, designed to prioritize safety, proved its value in containing the fire before it could spread.
The department expressed gratitude to mutual aid partners who assisted at the scene and to Charles County fire chiefs and members who offered support. “The type of incident response and support received reflect the strong, family-oriented culture of the Volunteer Fire Service here in Charles County,” the department stated.
The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of emergencies, even within a fire station. Potomac Heights volunteers were stretched thin by storm-related calls, including life-threatening flood rescues, yet the station’s safety systems ensured their home base remained operational. The limited damage allowed the department to continue serving the community without significant disruption.
Charles County’s storm season, often marked by heavy rain and flooding, places high demands on volunteer fire departments. The Potomac Heights station’s ability to withstand this incident demonstrates the importance of modern safety upgrades, such as those implemented during its 1990s renovation. The department encourages residents to install and maintain smoke alarms and consider sprinkler systems to enhance home safety.
