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Residential Structure Fire (Fatal)

February 22, 2023

On Tuesday February 21, 2023 at approximately 5:58pm the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department was alerted for a residential structure fire with possible entrapment at 116 Seafarer Lane in North Ocean Pines. It is with great sorrow that we share that a male victim unfortunately succumbed to their injuries as a result of the fire.  The following is a press release from the Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office:
“The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated a residential structure fire which occurred at 116 Seafarer Lane in Ocean Pines on Tuesday evening.

The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched for a reported house fire at 5:58 PM. Upon arrival, crews experienced significant fire conditions throughout the home with a possible subject trapped inside. Additional assistance was requested from Ocean City, Showell, Berlin, Bishopville, Selbyville, Roxana, Frankford and Dagsboro fire departments in Maryland and Delaware. After deteriorating conditions improved, fire crews ultimately brought the fire under control and located an adult male victim inside. The victim unfortunately succumbed to their injuries as a result of the fire. Three firefighters were also injured battling the fire but only one required transport to a local hospital for a hand injury.

A joint investigation was conducted by the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Ocean Pines Police Department. Investigators were assisted by the Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office, Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office – K9 Unit and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The victim has been identified as 62-year-old Timothy Jay Cooper of that residence.
 
The exact cause of the fire is considered undetermined originating in the laundry room area of the home. Smoke alarms were present at the time of the fire.”

While the exact cause of this fire remains undetermined, we would like to take this time to remind the community about having a plan in case of a fire. We encourage all residents to make a home escape plan. Draw a map of each level of your home. Show all doors and windows. Go to each room and point to the two ways out. Practice the plan with everyone in your household. While we hope you will never need to activate your escape plan, having it could be vital incase of an emergency.

The members of this department would like to thank the many fire and police agencies who assisted with the extinguishment and investigation of this tragic event.
 
****Press Inquiries are directed to contact OPVFD Public Information Officer, Lt. Joseph Enste (Jenste@opvfd.com)****
 

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