UPDATE 11/18/2025 @11:30 A.M.: The Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating a multi-unit apartment fire that displaced two dozen people and caused an estimated $1.5 million in damages on Monday in Chesapeake Beach.
At approximately 6:36 a.m. on Nov. 17, 2025, fire crews from Calvert County and surrounding counties responded to the 3900 block of Gordon Stinnett Avenue following reports of a fire. Firefighters observed flames throughout the courtyard area, which eventually spread into the attic and through the roof.
The fire destroyed 14 apartments and displaced approximately 25 occupants. All occupants were accounted for, and one was transported to the hospital for treatment. The fire also caused an estimated $250,000 in content damage.
Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the fire originated on a first-level balcony in the courtyard area. The preliminary investigation indicates no evidence of a criminal act. High winds and the fire’s exterior location contributed to its rapid spread and damage.
All fire companies in Calvert County including the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department responded. The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene with the investigation. The Red Cross also responded to assist displaced occupants.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
UPDATE 11/17/2025 @10:30 A.M.: Deputy State Fire Marshals are on the scene and investigating this Two-Alarm Fire in Chesapeake Beach
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is on the scene of a two-alarm fire in the 3900 block of Gordon Stinnett Avenue. The area is closed to traffic; please use alternate routes.
Fire crews responded to the fire at 6:36 a.m., discovering heavy flames from the roof of a two-story apartment building.
All occupants have been accounted for, but 14 apartments are extensively damaged, displacing approximately 25 residents.
Deputy State Fire Marshals are currently conducting interviews and working to determine the origin and cause of the fire.
We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
11/17/2025: On Monday, November 17, 2025, at approximately 6:35 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 3900 block of Gordon Stinnett Avenue in Chesapeake Beach, for the reported apartment building on fire with entrapment.
Multiple 911 callers reported an apartment building was on fire with reports of subjects trapped.
Police arrived on the scene first to confirm a working fire, with responding firefighters raising the second alarm and working fire dispatch.
Firefighters from every Calvert County Department, along with mutual aid assistance from Anne Arundel, Prince George’s County, and St. Mary’s County responded or provided fill ins.
Upon arrival, crews confirmed fire showing from all three floors of the three story apartment complex which was threatening, and quickly spreading to the other nearby apartment buildings due to wind.
Within minutes of arrival, crews deployed handlines and attempted to enter the apartments amid reports of someone being inside, however, crews reported no progress was being made with the stairwells being compromised.
The Incident Command deemed this a defensive operation only and sounded evacuation tones for all crews to exit the structures.
Crews continue to operate on the scene as of 10:00 a.m. Building management and staffing were able to work with firefighters to go over tenant records and confirmed all residents were accounted for, with primary and secondary searches of all apartments in all three buildings still being performed.
One 11-year-old female accompanied by a family member was transported to an area hospital with unknown injuries. Three additional patients were evaluated, however, no known transports were made.
All missing occupants were later accounted for, and no other known injuries have been reported.
The Office of the Maryland Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire and updates will be provided when they become available.
The American Red Cross has been requested to respond.
