Press Release - February 18, 2005

Date:
February 18, 2005

Contact:
Matthew Owens, CFI - Chief Deputy Fire Marshal
Phone: (410) 632-5666 Ext.2; Email: mowens@wcfmo.org

“Smoke Alarms Saves Occupants of an Historic Apartment Building”

“The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office has investigated an apartment building fire at 207 West Federal Street, Snow Hill, Maryland which occurred early this morning. The building dates back to 1870 and is over 7,800 square feet. The 2:47 a.m. fire was reported by occupants of the apartment building who were alerted to the fire by the activation of the smoke alarm system. Arriving fire units from the Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Company reported heavy smoke showing with fire extending from the third floor and roof of the building. Firefighters from Girdletree, Stockton, Newark, and the Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Company assisted in the extinguishment of the fire. Firefighters remained on the scene for approximately five hours. At the time of the fire, the apartment building was occupied by 16 people. After being alerted to the fire by the activation of a smoke alarm, all occupants escaped from the building and no injuries were reported. The fire originated between the second and third floor. The cause of the fire is listed as electrical and blamed on faulty electrical wiring. The occupants of the apartment building are being assisted with temporary housing by the Red Cross.”

For further information, the Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office can be reached by calling 410-632-5666 or on the web at www.wcfmo.org.

Scene Photographs