Photo courtesy of Shlagel Farms
UPDATE 4/8/2026: Schlagel Farms released the following statement this morning – A heartfelt thanks to all that have reached out to us once reading about our greenhouse fire.
The propane heater malfunctioned and caught fire.
The Waldorf Fire Department was on scene quickly and fire departments from surrounding stations also responded. We could not be more grateful for their professionalism and rapid response. Nobody was hurt and the greenhouse and the plants are all replaceable.
We are not in need of anything. We will re build the greenhouse and grow more vegetable plants. Please support your local Fire Department.
On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at approximately 5:11 a.m., firefighters from Waldorf and surrounding departments from Charles and Prince George’s County responded to the Shlagel Farms located at 12850 Shlagel Road in Waldorf, for the reported greenhouse on fire.
Waldorf Engine 33 quickly arrived on the scene within minutes of dispatch to find a 10 x 30 greenhouse with fire throughout. The greenhouse was isolated and not threatening any other structures.
Crews extinguished the fire within 30 minutes of dispatch and operated on the scene for over an hour.
No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is unknown. Updates will be provided as they become available.
ABOUT SHLAGEL FARMS – We are a family-owned farm in Waldorf, MD We have been providing fresh, high-quality produce to local communities for over 100 years. Our passion for farming and sustainable practices has allowed us to grow and expand while maintaining our commitment to quality. We specialize in fruit and vegetable production to include strawberries and blackberries.
Russell Shlagel is the third generation of Shlagel’s to farm this land. His grandfather; Otto came to America because of advertisements by the German American Colonization Company for good farmland, and he bought the original tract in North Waldorf in 1912.
Sadly, he died within a few years while clearing land in the pasture. His wife also passed within 6 weeks and left 5 minor children on the farm. Of those, George; who was 12 at the time, was determined to stay on the farm and make it profitable. Except for a stint in the US Army, George spent his entire life on the farm and loved the land until his last breath. He passed his love of the land on to his son Russell who farms full time along with sons.
Follow their updates and journey along the farm by clicking here
They proudly offer our farm raised beef, pork, and chicken year round. In addition to raising turkeys for Thanksgiving.
