LA PLATA, Md. — A nursing home resident was rushed to the hospital with respiratory distress Saturday afternoon after setting curtains on fire while smoking a cigarette at a La Plata long-term care facility. The fire was extinguished before firefighters arrived, but the incident prompted response from the Fire Marshal and Health Department.
Charles County emergency units responded to an address on Magnolia Drive around 12:24 p.m. on October 4, 2025, for reports of a fire at the one-story brick commercial building. According to dispatch, a female resident set curtains in her room on fire while smoking a cigarette.
Initial reports indicated no injuries, but subsequently advised the female resident would need medical care. Emergency crews arriving conducted a 360-degree assessment, once on scene and confirmed no there was fire evident on all sides of the building. Leadership established tactical command and requested all other units stage on Magnolia Drive until the situation was fully evaluated.
Paramedics transported the approximately 60-year-old female patient to Charles Regional Medical Center with Priority 1 status for respiratory issues. The respiratory distress likely resulted from smoke inhalation during the curtain fire in her room. Emergency transported departed for the hospital around 12:48 p.m. with the critical patient.
The nursing home fire prompted immediate notification to both the Fire Marshal and Health Department due to the facility’s status as a licensed long-term care facility. A Battalion Chief contacted the Fire Marshal, who was reported to have agreed to reach out to the incident commander. Additionally, the Health Department was contacted and coordinated with command staff regarding the incident.
Fire safety in nursing homes requires strict adherence to smoking policies and fire prevention protocols. Long-term care facilities face regulatory oversight from multiple agencies including the Fire Marshal’s office and Health Department.
Emergency units remained on scene for nearly two hours conducting investigations and coordinating with regulatory agencies. Leadership maintained command throughout the incident and coordinated with Fire Marshal and Health Department officials. All units cleared the scene by 2:04 p.m. after completing their response duties.
The cause of the fire has been officially determined as smoking materials igniting curtains. The condition of the hospitalized resident has not been officially released.
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