North Beach VFD

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North Beach VFD Welcome to the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department page! We want to hear from you, and we encourage comments, questions, and suggestions.

The North Beach Volunteer Fire Department is a 100% all volunteer Fire/Rescue/EMS department serving the citizens of Calvert County and Anne Arundel County, Maryland for 100 years. NBVFD social media feeds are meant to be an interactive place where followers can receive information about the department and engage in conversation. To ensure that everyone has a positive experience on our sites, please understand that we will not tolerate:
- Abusive behavior, harassing, stalking, threatening, or personally attacking others
- Hateful language targeting race/ethnicity, religion, gender, nationality, political beliefs, sexual orientation
- Fraudulent, deceptive, misleading, or unlawful posts/comments
- Content that is spamming in nature
- Solicitation of goods or services
- Defamatory, offensive, obscene, or vulgar comments
- Uploading files or links that contain viruses or programs that could damage the operation of other people’s computers
- Any posts about a legal issue, legal case, or attorneys
- Posting of any personal information including, but not limited to, e-mail address, or phone number
- Trolling or deliberate disruption of discussion
- Any other unacceptable posts or comments that presents a positive experience for all users

All individuals posting on NBVFD social media sites are required to follow any governing policies, regulations, or statements of rights and responsibilities of the respective social media platform. NBVFD reserves the right to screen shot, archive, and remove posts that do not adhere to the guidelines listed above, and to temporarily block or ban anyone who violates these guidelines from posting on our social media sites, and to report any conduct, including but not limited to offensive, fraudulent, deceptive, hateful, abusive, defamatory, vulgar, or lewd content, to the respective social media platform. Once the temporary block has concluded, the individual will be unblocked from the NBVFD social media profile and full access will be reinstated. If the individual continues to violate these guidelines or the governing policies and regulations of the respective social media platform, the individual will be reported to the appropriate social media platform and may be banned from NBVFD social media site indefinitely. Please note that NBVFD does not endorse any opinions, visuals, or other type of material not specifically posted by us. Additionally, the fire department is not responsible for the accuracy of the claims, information, advice, or comments posted by followers and visitors of the page. Our state of the art apparatus includes 2 Class A Pumpers (Engines), Tower, Rescue Squad, Fire Boat, Zodiac Boat, Brush Truck, Gator, support vehicles, and a BLS ambulance. Are you looking to help others and become involved in your community? If so, the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department is actively recruiting members to join our department. We have openings in Firefighter/EMT, EMT, Administrative, Auxiliary, Cadet, and our Live in program. Benefits of joining our department include:
-Property Tax incentive
-Retirement Benefits (LOSAP)
-Daycare Reimbursement
-Tuition Assistance Program
-Free Training provided by the University of Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute (MFRI)

If you are interested in serving our community, please contact us by coming to the station at anytime, or on our website northbeachfire.com.

8536 Bayside Road
Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732

410-257-6564

Up on The RoofThis month’s NBVFD training drill took our crews to new heights, focusing on two critical skill sets: roof...
10/23/2026

Up on The Roof

This month’s NBVFD training drill took our crews to new heights, focusing on two critical skill sets: roof operations and an evolution called the “flying standpipe.”

Roof Operations: Members reviewed roof construction, vertical ventilation strategy, tactics, tasks, tools and equipment.

The Flying Standpipe: Crews took the drill outside to practice deploying a flying standpipe. This evolution involved firefighters riding the tower bucket (loaded with hose packs) to the department's roof in order to practice feeding the line directly from an outlet on the bucket. This tactic is vital whenever a fast hose line is required in an elevated or hard-to-reach location.

Drills like these expand our knowledge, keep our skills sharp, and ensure we are always ready to work together as a team to serve you and protect your property.

Crews Respond to Lawnmower FireCalvert County Emergency Communications sounded Area Box 101 on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, ...
10/23/2026

Crews Respond to Lawnmower Fire

Calvert County Emergency Communications sounded Area Box 101 on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, at 1701 hours for a lawnmower on fire in the 3200 block of To***co Lane. Companies 1, 6, 2, 5, 7, 3, and PA201 were dispatched. Chief 6 arrived first and reported a riding lawnmower had been on fire in a detached carport and that the fire appeared to be out. Chief 6 held Company 1 and Engine 62.

Engine 62 pulled a booster line and cooled the remnants of the lawnmower and some objects impacted nearby. There was no extension to any of the carport structural members.

One resident was assessed by PA201 for smoke inhalation but refused transport. The riding mower and several nearby objects were destroyed.

The NBVFD reminds everyone to use extra caution during leaf collection activities this time of year. Dried leaves accumulate around the base of mowers and under the deck. Once activities are complete, use a blower to clear leaves from around the mower engine and deck. The mower should be parked outside and allowed to cool for 45 minutes to an hour before parking inside a shed or enclosed garage.

Fortunately, this incident occurred in an open carport. Damage was confined to the mower and immediately surrounding objects.

Quick Action Averts Disaster in Chesapeake BeachOn Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, at 1555 hours, Calvert County Emergency Commun...
10/20/2026

Quick Action Averts Disaster in Chesapeake Beach

On Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, at 1555 hours, Calvert County Emergency Communications Center (CCECC) alerted NBVFD - Company 1 for a vehicle on fire in the 4000 block of 15th Street in Chesapeake Beach.

Engine 12 responded with a crew of four. They arrived to find a pick up truck with a trailer attached in the intersection of 15th and B streets well-involved. The radiant heat from the truck fire had also ignited a nearby utility pole and was melting the siding on a nearby occupied dwelling. A citizen was attempting to hold the fire in check with a garden hose but the intensity of the fire was exceeding the capacity of the garden hose stream.

The NBVFD crew rapidly deployed a 1 1/2-inch attack line from the engine and initiated an attack on the fire. The officer requested that CCECC fill out the area box assignment due to the damage being done to the nearby structure.

The fire was quickly controlled with Engine 12’s onboard water (750 gallons). The area box was cancelled and the incident was managed with units from NBVFD - Company 1. The truck was a total loss. Damage to the residence was limited to melted siding. There was no extension into the structure. Damage to the pole was reported to the utility companies. No damage to the contents of the trailer was reported. There were no injuries.

🍂 THE BIG ONE IS HERE! 🍂Clear out your closets or grab your wallet, because the NBVFD Auxiliary’s final Yard Sale of 202...
10/20/2026

🍂 THE BIG ONE IS HERE! 🍂
Clear out your closets or grab your wallet, because the NBVFD Auxiliary’s final Yard Sale of 2026 is just around the corner! Whether you are looking to declutter before the holidays or hunting for that next perfect find, the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department is the place to be this Saturday.

🗓️ When: THIS Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
⏰ Time: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
📍 Where: North Beach VFD

💰 ATTENTION SELLERS: Clear Space, Make Cash!

'Tis the season to clean house and make some extra holiday spending money! Don't worry about hauling your own tables—we've got you covered. Spaces are limited, so secure yours today!
• Pricing: 1 Table for $15 | 2 Tables for $25
• Reserve Yours: Call Diana at 410-231-1775 to book in advance.

🛍️ ATTENTION SHOPPERS: Hunt for Treasures!

Fall is officially yard sale season! You never know what hidden treasures, holiday decorations, toys, art, books, kitchenware, vintage goods, or everyday bargains you might uncover.

See you there, Calvert County! Help us spread the word by tagging a friend who loves a good bargain or needs to clear out their garage! 👇

🎃 Only 5 days left to lock in your trunk space at NBVFD's annual Trunk or Treat event! 🕷️The countdown is officially on ...
10/20/2026

🎃 Only 5 days left to lock in your trunk space at NBVFD's annual Trunk or Treat event! 🕷️

The countdown is officially on for the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department Trunk or Treat this Sunday, October 25th! We are looking for more awesome community members to join our fun, bring smiles to our trick-or-treaters, decorate their trunk, and pass out candy to the kids. (Their smiles and costumes are worth every minute of this annual event!)

Whether you're planning a haunted graveyard, a Disney masterpiece, or just a classic pumpkin setup, we want (and need) you there. Plus, you'll be in the running for our Best Decorated Trunk Contest! 🏆

The Details:
• 📅 When: Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026
• ⏰ Time: 2 – 4 p.m.
• 📍 Where: Our station parking lot located at 8536 Bayside Road, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732

Don't wait until the last minute—email [email protected] right now to claim your spot and join the fun! 👻🍬

(Check out some of the photos from our prior Trunk or Treats below!)

History Comes Alive When Buried Treasure is Found! During a recent cleanup of our office supply room, a remarkable piece...
10/18/2026

History Comes Alive When Buried Treasure is Found!

During a recent cleanup of our office supply room, a remarkable piece of our local history turned up in a pile of old documents.
We uncovered a 1968 booklet from the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen's Association (SMVFA). The association itself dates back to the late 1920s and early 1930s, and is proudly comprised of the fire departments across Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties.

Flipping through to page 19, we got a fascinating snapshot of the North Beach VFD from nearly 60 years ago:
• The department was still running out of its original station on Dayton Avenue and the zip code for North Beach was listed as 20831, long before it became today’s 20714.
• We operated on radio frequency 33.82—a low-band frequency perfect for bending and diffracting around our rural hills, terrain, and trees.
• Our roster boasted 35 dedicated adult volunteers and 25 junior members, holding drills every Thursday and two business meetings a month.
• Our fleet consisted of three pumpers and one brush truck, carrying a grand total of just five "air masks" across all the apparatus.

A HUGE thank you to our NBVFD Administrative Aide Kelley Osbourn. Kelley not only discovered this historical gem but instantly recognized its immense significance and saved it from the dumpster.

If you are a member of a fellow SMVFA department and would like to receive a digital scan of your department’s page from this 1968 booklet, please reach out to John Tippett at [email protected]. We would love to share this history with you!


Below is the 1966 era photo of the North Beach VFD Dayton Avenue firehouse and fleet. Pictured from left are E103 ~ a 1957 Ford American, E104 ~ a 1951 International American, E101 ~ a 1965 International Bruco, and our old 1965 International Travelall ambulance. Photo credit: NBVFD Archives.

Today, we gathered in solemn remembrance with our fellow Calvert County volunteer fire department members as the Calvert...
10/17/2026

Today, we gathered in solemn remembrance with our fellow Calvert County volunteer fire department members as the Calvert County Volunteer Fire-Rescue-EMS Association held its annual memorial service at the Chesapeake Highlands Memorial Gardens in Port Republic.

This morning's service honored seven dedicated members from across our county's volunteer departments who answered the "Final Call" over the past year. Among those remembered and celebrated for their selfless service were two devoted members of the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department, past Life Member Dennis Skinner and past Deputy Chief Willard C. "Smokey" Ward.

We paused to reflect on their courage, their sacrifice, and the countless hours they selflessly gave to protect and serve our communities. To the families, loved ones, and brother and sister firefighters, rescuers, and EMS personnel of those who passed—we continue to stand with you in gratitude and sorrow.

Last night was Cadet Drill Night at North Beach VFD! Twice a month, our cadets (ages 13-15) gather to dive deep into the...
10/16/2026

Last night was Cadet Drill Night at North Beach VFD! Twice a month, our cadets (ages 13-15) gather to dive deep into the craft of firefighting. This week, they learned the basics of portable radios, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), and the county's Structural Firefighting Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG).
The drill was led by NBVFD Lt. Ryan Ortenzo. As an NBVFD legacy, Lt. Ortenzo started his own journey right here at The Beach House as a cadet years ago. Now, he’s coming full circle to train, mentor, and give back to our next generation of volunteers.

Thanks Lt. Ortenzo for your strong leadership, and keep up the great work North Beach VFD Cadets!

🛑 Interested in joining our ranks? Drop a comment or send us a message to learn more about about becoming a North Beach VFD member.

History Comes Alive! On this day 72 years ago, the Twin Beaches faced one of the most devastating natural disasters in o...
10/15/2026

History Comes Alive!

On this day 72 years ago, the Twin Beaches faced one of the most devastating natural disasters in our region's history: Hurricane Hazel.
Screaming into Maryland with hurricane-force winds gusting over 100 mph and a massive 6-foot storm surge, Hazel pushed the Chesapeake Bay straight inland and changed our waterfront forever.
The destruction was immense:
💥 Waterfront landmarks lost: The heavy waves and wind destroyed Twin Beach fishing piers, the North Beach waterfront ballroom at the town’s pier and concession stands associated with the Chesapeake Beach Amusement Park.
🌾 Agricultural disaster: Across Calvert County, the ferocious winds flattened hundreds of to***co barns, striking a massive blow to our local economy.
🚤 Marina devastation: Local docks and wharves crumbled under the battering waves, destroying numerous marinas and tossing fishing boats – also impacting the local economy.
🏡 Severe flooding & damage: Coastal streets swallowed by the surge left homes flooded and roofs ripped away.

This historic disaster triggered a grueling, multi-day emergency response for the members of the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department. Operating out of our old station at 4th Street and Dayton Avenue, our volunteers worked tirelessly around the clock—clearing blocked roads, mitigating hazards, and protecting lives.
Today, we honor the incredible resilience of our community and the dedication of the NBVFD crews who stepped up when the Twin Beaches and Calvert County needed them most.

The 1949 aerial photo below shows the North Beach Pier and Amusements intact five years before Hurricane Hazel destroyed or heavily damaged the structures. Photo from Maryland Department of Planning website.

Calling all ghosts, ghouls, and creative trunk decorators! 🚗 Spooky Season is officially here, and NBVFD is ready to cel...
10/11/2026

Calling all ghosts, ghouls, and creative trunk decorators! 🚗
Spooky Season is officially here, and NBVFD is ready to celebrate! 🎃🕷️🕸️Trunk or Treat is happening Sunday, October 25 (2 - 4 p.m.), and we want to see your best setups! Whether you go fully spooky, a movie theme, or keep it classic autumn, there is family fun for everyone.

Reserve your spot ASAP so all the ghouls and goblins stopping by can fill their bags with goodies! Email [email protected] to reserve your spot now!

Address

8536 Bayside Road
Chesapeake Beach, MD
20732

Telephone

+14102576564

Website

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