By Greg Ellison

(March 4, 2021) The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office has determined accidental causes were to blame for a house fire in the Terns Landing area of Ocean Pines that required assistance from half a dozen neighboring agencies last Wednesday.

After a neighbor in the vicinity of 36 Leigh Drive reported seeing an under-repair residence aflame, the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene at about 2:15 p.m. on Feb. 24.

First to arrive was Second Assistant Chief Mike Mather, followed closely by Engine 1102 crewmembers, after which the emergency responders quickly ascertained smoke was billowing from a chimney.

Firefighters employed attack line hoses to gain entry to the structure where ever increasing smoky conditions were encountered.

First responders then made use of a thermal imaging camera to determine the seat of the fire.

The blaze intensified sufficiently to require assistance from fire departments from Berlin, Bishopville, Ocean City, Showell and Selbyville, Delaware.

Multi-agency responders braved the conditions and eventually removed drywall to extinguish all existing hot spots.