Officials: Preston house fire caused by wiring malfunction in basement

The Easton Volunteer Fire Department says they responded Thursday night to Caroline County to assist the Preston Volunteer Fire Company with a house fire on Harmony Road in Preston.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal confirms the fire started shortly before 9:17 PM at a two-story wood framed home at 7220 Harmony Road.

It took approximately 50 firefighters an hour to control the fire, officials said.

Investigators determined the fire was accidental and began in the basement due to arcing of electrical wiring.

Officials say the loss of the structure is estimated at $100,000, with $10,000 worth of interior contents lost.