Press Release - March 3, 2005

Date:
March 3, 2005

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

HISTORIC CHURCH DESTROYED BY FIRE

“The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a fire which occurred

last evening that totally destroyed a historic Pocomoke Church. Bethany United

Methodist Church, erected in 1882, located at 205 Market Street in Pocomoke City,

Maryland, suffered heavy fire damage from this 6:56 p.m. fire. First arriving fire units

from the Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Company reported heavy smoke showing.

Firefighters from Stockton, Gridletree, Snow Hill, Newark, Princess Anne Volunteer

Fire Companies in Maryland and Greenbackville and Atlantic Volunteer Fire Companies

in Virginia assisted with the extinguishment of the fire. Firefighters remained on the

scene for approximately 17 hours. The fire originated in the basement and quickly

extended to the roof area. No injuries were reported. Firefighting efforts were

hampered due to the gusting wind and icy conditions throughout the night. Heavy

equipment was called in to remove a portion of the structure to assist with the

extinguishment of the fire. The cause of the fire is listed as undetermined and the

investigation is continuing. Over the next several days, electrical and mechanical

engineers will be examining the devices located near the origin of the fire. Anyone

with additional information is asked to contact Chief Deputy Matthew Owens at 410-

632-5666 or by email at mowens@wcfmo.org”

Scene Photos
(Photos By: Deputy Fire Marshal Robert Korb)

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.