HAGERSTOWN, MD (May 15, 2025) – Over the past three days, the Washington County Division of Emergency Services and volunteer fire companies have responded to a surge of water-related emergencies across the region. From Allegany County to Morgan County, West Virginia, and right here in Washington County, our first responders have worked around the clock to protect lives and ensure public safety.
TUESDAY, MAY 13: SUPPORT TO ALLEGANY COUNTY
Washington County units were dispatched to assist with major flooding in the Westernport area of Allegany County. Responders from multiple departments deployed resources to aid in flood rescues, including:
- BT4 (Clear Spring Fire)
- BT20-05 (Hancock Fire)
- BT20-10 (Funkstown Fire)
- 1806 (Division of Emergency Services)
- 1803 (Division of Emergency Services)
- 1801 (Division of Emergency Services)
- 1810 (Division of Emergency Services)
- U-21 (Williamsport Fire/EMS)
- MCC1 (Washington County Mobile Command Center)
- MCU20 (Division of Emergency Services Mass Casualty Support Unit)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14: FLOODING AT SLEEPY CREEK CAMPGROUND
Crews responded to Sleepy Creek Campground off River Road in Morgan County, West Virginia, for a report of two individuals and a dog trapped in a camper. Upon arrival, the incident rapidly expanded to multiple victims and animals. Crews successfully rescued:
- 15 adults
- 8 dogs
- 1 cat
Crews coordinated the search of 40-40 campers that were submerged in 6-7 foot of water that could not be removed prior to the floodwater rising. A shelter was opened at Berkeley Springs School for the displaced campers.
Units Involved included:
- BT20-05 (Hancock Fire)
- BT20-10 (Funkstown Fire)
- BT20-01 (Sharpsburg Fire)
- BT2 (Williamsport Fire)
- BT4 (Clearspring Fire)
- 1800 (Division of Emergency Services)
- 1801 (Division of Emergency Services)
- 1806 (Division of Emergency Services)
- 1811 (Washington County Division of Emergency Services)
- U255 (Washington County Rehab Unit)
Hazardous conditions, including underwater debris and fast-moving currents, made access difficult, but all individuals and animals were safely brought to shore.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14: TOWPATH RESCUE IN WILLIAMSPORT
At approximately 9:30 PM, crews responded to a water rescue on the C&O Canal Towpath near the 98th milepost (Lockwood Road, Williamsport area). One individual was reported standing in water and unable to exit the area.
Units involved included:
- E21 (Williamsport Fire/EMS)
- RSQE2 (Williamsport Fire/EMS)
- UTV2 (Williamsport Fire)
- AC2 (Williamsport Fire/EMS)
- 1800 (Division of Emergency Services)
- EMS1811 (Washington County Division of Emergency Services
- MEDIC29 (Williamsport Fire/EMS)
- BT2010 (Funkstown Fire)
- BT2 (Williamsport Fire/EMS)
- BT4 (Clearspring Fire)
- Berkeley County BT 90
- SAFETY200 (Washington County Vol. Fire and Rescue Assn. Safety Officer)
Rescue boats launched via Lockwood Road while a recon team made access to the patient. The individual was safely assisted back to a secure location via a rescue boat and crew.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14: TREE RESCUE NEAR BIG WOODS CAMPGROUND
Yesterday evening, responders were dispatched to a report of two individuals stranded in a tree due to floodwaters near milepost 83 on the C&O Canal, close to the Big Woods Campground. Units on scene included:
- E12-1 (Community Fire)
- RS2001 (Sharpsburg Fire)
- 1812 (Washington County Division of Emergency Services)
- MEDIC19-1 (Sharpsburg EMS)
- BT2001 (Sharpsburg Fire)
- BT2010 (Funkstown Fire)
- BT20-11 (Potomac Valley Fire)
- BT4 (Clearspring Fire)
- Jefferson County BT7
- Jefferson County AMB7
- EMS1812 (Washington County Division of Emergency Services)
- 1800 (Washington County Division of Emergency Services)
- 1806 (Washington County Vol. Fire and Rescue Assn. Safety Officer)
- SAFETY100 (Washington County Vol. Fire and Rescue Assn. Safety Officer)
- ATV2 (Williamsport Fire)
- ATV69 (Boonsboro EMS)
- Maryland State Police Trooper 3 (aerial sweep and hoist readiness)
Initial boat access was blocked by significant debris in the river, requiring alternate launch sites, and the use of ATV’s to gain visibility. The incident was compounded by darkness and the remote location of the victims. By 9:47 PM, Boat 11 and Boat 7 launched from the West Virginia side of the river and had successfully rescued both individuals by 10:06 PM.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14: 15-UNIT APARTMENT EVACUATION IN WILLIAMSPORT
Just after 9:00 PM, firefighters from Williamsport responded to flooding at 163 N. Conococheague Street, where basement flooding was occurring, and rising water from the Conococheague Creek blocked building exits. A 15-unit apartment building was evacuated as a precaution.
The American Red Cross – Hagerstown Office assisted with the relocation of 4 adults and 4 dogs. Remaining residents found alternative shelter with friends or family.
THURSDAY, MAY 15: SWIFT WATER RESCUE IN WASHINGTON COUNTY
This morning, a male individual became trapped in swift water in Southern Washington County. Multiple boats from Washington, Jefferson, and Frederick counties responded to assist. After working to get visuals on the victim, he was safely brought to shore and transported to Frederick Hospital for evaluation.
Units involved included:
- E81 (Boonsboro Fire – Rohrersville Station)
- DC11 (Potomac Valley Fire)
- BT20-11 (Potomac Valley Fire)
- BT20-01 (Sharpsburg Fire)
- BT20-10 (Funkstown Fire)
- Frederick County BT19
- Jefferson County BT7
- Frederick County AMB19-1
- Frederick County MEDIC2 (Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue)
- SAFETY100 (Washington County Vol. Fire and Rescue Assn. Safety Officer)
The Washington County Division of Emergency Services commends the rapid response, coordination, and bravery demonstrated by our local firefighters, DES personnel, and regional partners. Despite treacherous conditions, our teams acted swiftly to protect lives and respond to unfolding emergencies.
For additional information, please contact Washington County’s Public Relations & Marketing Department at [email protected].
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