(March 3, 2022) The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated a Monday morning fire in a high-occupancy apartment complex in Berlin.

Just before 5:30 a.m. Berlin Volunteer Fire Company was alerted for a fire at the Ocean’s East Luxury Apartment Homes complex at 9892 Shore Break Lane in Berlin.

Photos courtesy Ocean Pines Fire Department
Several area fire companies responded on Monday morning for a fire at Ocean’s East Luxury Apartment Homes on Shore Break Lane in Berlin that was attributed to improperly discarded smoking materials.

Upon arrival, crews discovered fire and smoke on a third-floor balcony.

Prior to firefighters gaining access to the unit, an adjacent neighbor deployed a portable fire extinguisher to knock down the majority of the fire.

Berlin was assisted by the Ocean Pines, Ocean City and Showell Volunteer Fire departments.

Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office said the cause of the fire was determined to be improperly discarded smoking materials.

Fire Marshal Jeffrey McMahon reminded the public to properly dispose of smoking materials in non-combustible containers with a lid and to make sure they are completely out before leaving the area.

No injuries were reported.