PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

October 16, 2002

"9 Aircraft And Building Completely Destroyed By Fire"

"The Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office is investigating a fire which was reported at 2:18 a.m. this morning. The blaze was located at 9758 Carey Road in Berlin, the location of Ocean Aerial (Bunting Airport). Ocean Aerial is owned and operated by Robert P. Bunting. The fire completely destroyed the building used to house and maintain the aircraft. Also, nine planes were completely consumed by the fire. The fire was extinguished using approximately 100 volunteer firefighters from Berlin, Showell, Bishopville, Ocean Pines, Ocean City, Willards, and Newark. Firefighters remained on the scene for approximately four hours. The fire damage is estimated $350,000. The cause of the fire has not been determined and is still under investigation."

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For further information contact Chief Deputy Matthew Owens at the above listed numberFor further information call Fire Marshal Jeff McMahon at the number listed above.