Three-Alarm Elkton Fire Displaces Nine; Causes 1.5 Million in Damages
CECIL COUNTY, MD (May 22, 2023) - Nearly 100 firefighters from Cecil County and multiple other departments, including Delaware and Pennsylvania, battled for nearly three hours yesterday evening to contain a stubborn thee-alarm blaze at the former Howard House in Elkton.
At around 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Singerly Fire Company and nearby departments were called to 101 W. Main Street, at the intersection of North Street, in the heart of Elkton. The fire was quickly upgraded to two-alarms and then three later in the evening.
The fire heavily damaged the historic vacant four-story structure that dates back to 1853, along with a three-story commercial building that includes Angelucci Bail Bonds and three apartments that sit next to it.
The investigation by a team of Deputy State Fire Marshals, along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, concluded the fire originated on the rear exterior of 111 W. Main Street.
An off-duty Delaware firefighter who observed smoke coming from behind the building assisted investigators in their expeditious conclusion. After observing the fire, he attempted to use fire extinguishers before it rapidly spread into the two buildings. He remained on the scene and assisted in describing what he had seen and done, which allowed Deputy State Fire Marshals to focus their attention on a small area to determine the cause, which remains under investigation. No evidence has thus been found to indicate an act of arson.
Nine occupants of the apartments are displaced and are being assisted by Red Cross. One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was transported to nearby Christiana Care Union Hospital.
Damage to both structures and contents is estimated at 1.5 million dollars.
Deputy State Fire Marshals are routinely assisted by ATF agents, which is a standard operating procedure in high-dollar loss and fires involving commercial property.
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 Photo Credit - Cecil County Fire Blog (FB)
 Photo Credit - OSFM
 Photo Credit - OSFM
 Photo Credit - OSFM
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Office of the State Fire Marshal is an agency of the Department of
State Police dedicated to helping protect citizens from fire and
explosion through a comprehensive program of education,
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