Ocean Pines, MD – The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a fatal residential structure fire, which we initially published on our social media pages on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at Seafarer Lane in Ocean Pines, Worcester County, Maryland.
The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched for a reported house fire at 5:58 PM. Upon arrival, crews experienced significant fire conditions throughout the home, with a person possibly trapped inside.
Additional assistance was requested from Ocean City, Showell, Berlin, Bishopville, Selbyville, Roxana, Frankford and Dagsboro fire departments in Maryland and Delaware.
After deteriorating conditions improved, fire crews ultimately brought the fire under control and located an adult male victim inside. The victim, unfortunately, succumbed to their injuries as a result of the fire.
Three firefighters were also injured battling the fire but only one required transport to a local hospital for a hand injury.
A joint investigation was conducted by the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Ocean Pines Police Department. Investigators were assisted by the Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office, Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office – K9 Unit and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
The victim has been identified as 62-year-old Timothy Jay Cooper of that residence.
The exact cause of the fire is considered undetermined. The fire originated in the laundry room area of the home. Smoke alarms were present at the time of the fire.