July 31, 2023 - Severe Weather Contributes to Two Structure Fires

The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated two separate fires on Saturday July 29, 2023 following severe thunderstorms passing through Worcester County that evening.

The Snow Hill Fire Department was dispatched to a reported barn fire at 8:37 PM at 7233 Whiton Road in Snow Hill. Upon arrival, crews observed significant fire conditions throughout the barn to which resulted in numerous fire departments from across the area being requested to assist. Snow Hill was assisted by Newark, Powellville, Willards, Parsonsburg, Pittsville, Girdletree, Stockton, Greenbackville fire departments. Crews remained on scene for approximately 3 hours bringing the fire under control.

The Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Company was then dispatched to a reported structure fire at 10:34 PM at 1011 Clark Avenue in Pocomoke. Upon arrival, crews observed smoke coming from the two-story single-family home. Pocomoke was assisted by Stockton, Girdletree and New Church fire departments. Crews remained on scene for approximately two hours bringing the fire under control. Two tenants were displaced as a result of the fire and the American Red Cross was contacted to assist the occupants.

Deputies from the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office responded to both incidents and conducted fire scene examinations. The exact cause of both fires remain under investigation with severe weather believed to have been a contributing factor.

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For further information contact Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Robert Korb, Jr. at 410-632-5666 x2 or rkorb@co.worcester.md.us