Dry, windy conditions have increased fire risk across the state and fueled ongoing wildfires

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is implementing a statewide ban on open air burning, effective today, November 1, in all Maryland counties.

Extremely dry conditions persist across the state and have led to an above average number of wildfires statewide, and conditions are not expected to change ... (Full Story & Photos)

This morning, several RVFD members participated in a live fire flashover simulation, hosted by Bay District VFD (BDVFD). The flashover simulator allows instructors to demonstrate fire behavior from incipient stage to flashover, helping firefighters learn to recognize the signs of a pending flashover event. This enables training in the recognition of rollover conditions (i.e., predecessor to a flashover ... (Full Story & Photos)

Electricity helps make our lives easier but there are times when we can take its power and its potential for fire-related hazards for granted. Lighting to improve the look and safety of our homes, electric tools to make our outdoor work easier, and power lines to our home, all need to be handled with care. When working with, and using, electricity, we need to be cautious and keep safety in mind.

According ... (Full Story & Photos)

Every six months, as Daylight Saving Time begins and ends, you hear from firefighters, “When you change your clock, check your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.” It is more than a slogan – and firefighters see it often – smoke alarms save lives. Working smoke detectors alert you more quickly in the event of a fire and provide you and your loved ones more time to escape safely.

This Sunday, November ... (Full Story & Photos)

Halloween is near and you’re preparing costumes, decorations, and special treats. But, have you considered the accidents that can occur on Halloween? According to the US Fire Administration there are about 10,000 reported fires over a three-day period around Halloween in the US. Those fires caused an estimated 30 deaths, 125 injuries and $102 million in property loss. Dried flowers, crepe paper, cornstalks ... (Full Story & Photos)

4-05 Box, 11:59 - Squad 4 & Engine 41 were dispatched to the intersection of Three Notch Road and Trapp Road for the reported motor vehicle crash with an overturned vehicle and possible entrapment. Chief 4A arrived and advised that no one was trapped and requested a helicopter for a victim with a serious arm injury. Squad 4 and Engine 141 arrived and began packaging and removing the victim from the ... (Full Story & Photos)

Near the beginning of each new semester, St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) requests Ridge VFD to perform fire drills in the student residence halls. Last evening, Ridge VFD firefighters conducted fire drills in four Halls on campus. The drills were pre-planned with SMCM Public Safety, campus staff, and the residence hall resident advisors (RAs). The students were not told about the date or time ... (Full Story & Photos)

On October 11th, Ridge VFD Fire Prevention educators visited Ridge Elementary School in Ridge. The students, from Pre-K to 5th grade, were treated to a presentation on this year's theme, “Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you!” Fire Prevention educators, along with the help of Sparky the Fire Dog, shared fire prevention and safety tips specific to smoke alarms, their purpose, and where they should ... (Full Story & Photos)