SOMERSET COUNTY FIRE DESTROYS 4 STRUCTURES AND CAUSES AN ESTIMATED $600K IN DAMAGES
Somerset County, MD - On January 20, 2025, a devastating fire engulfed four structures at 11190 Roland Parks Road in Deal Island, Somerset County, Maryland, causing significant damage.
The primary structure, a 32'x60' building, part of the property owned by Island Sunset Incorporated, was principally used for recreational purposes and included living space. The fire also spread to a vacant one-and-a-half-story single-family dwelling and two sheds measuring 12'x24' and 12'x12' respectively. All structures were completely destroyed in the fire.
The estimated financial loss is considerable, with the structures valued at around $500,000 and the contents estimated at $100,000. The property stands on a 20-acre privately owned island, unique in that it is only accessible by boat.
Smoke alarms were reportedly present in the buildings, but there were no fire alarms or sprinkler systems in place. The absence of these potentially life-saving features is likely to prompt further scrutiny on safety provisions in such isolated locations.
The Deal Island-Chance Volunteer Fire Company was the first on the scene. However, challenging conditions complicated their efforts. Strong wind gusts and low tide limited their access to the site, enabling the fire to spread rapidly.
A total of 40 firefighters responded to the two-alarm fire, managing to control it after two hours.
Neighbors were the first to notice the fire, but the cause remains under investigation. The State Fire Marshals believe the fire originated in the primary 32'x60' structure.
The primary structure, a 32'x60' building, part of the property owned by Island Sunset Incorporated, was principally used for recreational purposes and included living space. The fire also spread to a vacant one-and-a-half-story single-family dwelling and two sheds measuring 12'x24' and 12'x12' respectively. All structures were completely destroyed in the fire.
The estimated financial loss is considerable, with the structures valued at around $500,000 and the contents estimated at $100,000. The property stands on a 20-acre privately owned island, unique in that it is only accessible by boat.
Smoke alarms were reportedly present in the buildings, but there were no fire alarms or sprinkler systems in place. The absence of these potentially life-saving features is likely to prompt further scrutiny on safety provisions in such isolated locations.
The Deal Island-Chance Volunteer Fire Company was the first on the scene. However, challenging conditions complicated their efforts. Strong wind gusts and low tide limited their access to the site, enabling the fire to spread rapidly.
A total of 40 firefighters responded to the two-alarm fire, managing to control it after two hours.
Neighbors were the first to notice the fire, but the cause remains under investigation. The State Fire Marshals believe the fire originated in the primary 32'x60' structure.
