Press Release - February 28, 2003

Date:
February 28, 2003

Contact:
Robert Korb, Jr., CFI - Fire Investigator / Inspector
Phone: (410) 632-5666 Ext.4; Email: rkorb@co.worcester.md.us

Pocomoke Family Homeless After Early Morning Fire

The Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office has determined the cause of the fire that destroyed a home located at 1822 New Bridge Road in Pocomoke City, Maryland on February 15, 2003 to be accidental. The fire left a Pocomoke City family of three homeless. Firefighters found the one story single family home fully involved upon arrival. The home was owned and occupied by Ernestine Drummond and her two children, ages 17 and 19. Ms. Drummond and her 17 year old son were transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center by Pocomoke EMS for minor burn injuries and released. Firefighters from Pocomoke and New Church fought the 3:45 A.M. fire. During the fire investigation it was learned that Ms. Drummond's two teenage children were hearing impaired. Credit could be given to Ms. Drummond for her fast reactions as well as having a hearing impaired smoke detector installed which woke her daughter during the fire. Although the entire interior of the home was gutted by fire, County Fire Marshal's were able to recover a large amount of cash for Ms. Drummond. The cause of the fire is listed as accidental and blamed on a candle which was left burning after the family retired for the evening.

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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