Electrical failure blamed for nanticoke house fire that killed family pets

NANTICOKE, MD – An accidental electrical failure sparked a fire that destroyed a Wicomico County home Saturday afternoon, leaving one resident displaced and killing several family pets, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Fire investigators said the blaze broke out around 1:57 p.m. at a two-story, wood-framed home located at 2570 Hickman Lane in Nanticoke. A passerby discovered the fire and alerted authorities. Crews from the West Side Volunteer Fire Department and neighboring companies responded to the scene, bringing the blaze under control after about 90 minutes.

The fire originated in an exterior water pump house that was attached to the residence, investigators said. Although smoke alarms were present inside the home, the property did not have a sprinkler system. The blaze caused an estimated $145,000 in structural damage and $40,000 in content loss.

Three dogs and a cat were killed in the fire, and one occupant was displaced. No human injuries were reported.

Key facts from the investigation:

Fire began in an exterior pump house due to electrical failure.
Damage estimated at $185,000 in total.
Three dogs and a cat perished; one person displaced and staying with family.

Approximately 46 firefighters responded to the single-alarm blaze. The Maryland State Fire Marshal ruled the cause accidental and said the homeowner is being assisted by relatives.

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