Just before 12:30 hrs this afternoon, Company 7 and surrounding companies from Calvert, St. Mary's, and Charles County responded to the 4000 block of Cortona Dr in Port Republic for the house fire. Engine 71 (Capt. Harris), Rescue Squad 7 (Lt. Weems), Tanker 7 (C. Lankford), Rehab 7 (Deputy Chief Weems) made the response. First arriving units found a 2 story type 5 house well involved with fire. A brief interior attack was attempted but due to deteriorating conditions and a partial collapse the decision was made to go defensive. With total collapse of the house Tower 2 was set up for ladder pipe operations to bring the fire under control. Units cleared after 4.5 hours and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Command: Chief 6 M. Clark