LARGE FIRE DESTROYS FORMER BUTCHER SHOP AND RESIDENCE IN DORCHESTER COUNTY

Cambridge, MD-On August 21, 2024, at approximately 1:54 PM, firefighters responded to the 5000 block of Stone Boundary Road in Dorchester County, Maryland, for two fires, one at a non-operational commercial butcher shop and one at a vacant two-story, wood-frame farmhouse.

The fire resulted in significant estimated losses, with both structures valued at $600,000 and the contents worth $250,000.

The primary fire department called to the scene was the Rescue Fire Company (Cambridge), which involved 75 firefighters. A "Tanker Task Force" was also called for additional water supply. The fire took approximately three hours to control.

The fire originated from the interior of the butcher shop and spread to the nearby vacant house as embers landed on its cedar shingles. Both structures are now considered a total loss.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway. However, it is noted that the fire began shortly after the owner had been working inside the butcher shop.