STATE FIRE MARSHAL INVESTIGATES ARSON TO VACANT CRISFIELD HOME

Crisfield, MD – On July 3, 2023, the Deputy State Fire Marshals have completed their on-scene investigation that caused nearly $90,000.00 in damages to a vacant home located at 308 Locust Street in Crisfield, Maryland.

At 5:10 am on July 3, 2023, the Crisfield and surrounding fire departments responded to the 1 alarm blaze and found fire venting to the exterior of the home. The home is described as a two story, wood frame single family dwelling. It took 30 firefighters one hour to bring the fire under control. As the home was vacant there was no evidence of smoke alarms or a fire sprinkler system present within the home.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal was requested by the fire department to conduct an investigation into the origin and cause of the blaze. A team of investigators determined the fire originated on the first-floor interior of the home. The owner of the home was determined to be Floyd Pugh. The cause of the fire has been determined to be arson.

This marks the 3^rd vacant house fire within Crisfield since October 2022. The other fires occurred at 2 West Main Street on October 9, 2022 and 201 North Third Street on October 12, 2022.

Deputy State Fire Marshals are asking the public’s assistance in determining who is responsible for setting these fires. If you have any information on any of these fires please reach out to local law enforcement (Crisfield PD, Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police-Princess Anne) or contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal directly at 410-713-3780. After hours, Deputy State Fire Marshals can be reached by calling 410-517-3680.