News

On Tuesday, December 26, 2023, the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department received a dispatch to investigate a report of smoke in the area of Route 90 and Racetrack Road. While in route, Worcester Central advised that a single caller had reported seeing a large cloud of smoke and an orange glow in the woods. Ocean Pines first responders traversed the length of Racetrack Road but were unable to locate the reported conditions. Upon further investigation, responders discovered the reported conditions off Old Worcester Hwy on Brooklyn Ln.

Once units were on the scene, they found a large fire along the edge of the woods, approximately 0.5 miles off the highway in an area accessible only by 4x4 Brush Trucks. First Assistant Chief Grunewald requested Brush trucks from Showell, Berlin, and Bishopville, as well as a full station response from Showell.

The incident commander successfully contacted the property owner, who stated that the fire was intended to be a controlled burn. However, due to the size of the area on fire (approximately 600 square feet) and its close proximity to the woods, immediate extinguishment was necessary.

Responders worked for over two hours to extinguish the fire and complete overhaul.

REMINDER: Any burn, whether it requires a permit or not, must be reported to the Department of Environmental Programs before initiation. Call 410-632-1220 so that 911 operators do not dispatch fire crews. Learn more about Worcester County Open Burning Regulations.