Arriving units were advised that people were trapped in the building, resulting in two immediate rescues. Fire Department personnel battled the fire, which escalated to a third alarm, for over two hours. Shortly after noon, the fire department had the fire under control. Assisting the OCFD with the call were units from Berlin, Bethany Beach, Showell, Ocean Pines and Roxana. Additional fire department personnel from mutual agencies also assisted with calls in the district during the incident.
Three victims were treated on scene for non-life threatening injuries and later transported to area hospitals, including two members of the Ocean City Fire Department. One additional patient was treated and released on the scene. The initial damage assessment indicates that the majority of the fire damage was on the third floor.
The Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office, with assistance from the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office, is currently investigating the cause of the fire, which is unknown at this time. Anyone with information regarding the fire is asked to contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 410.289.8780.