Fire marshals investigating Preston house fire that killed two pets

The Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating a Wednesday afternoon house fire in Preston that killed a cat and a dog.

Shortly before 12:55 PM, officials say a Caroline County paramedic driving in the area of the 5000 block of Newton Road observed smoke and alerted firefighters. The Preston Volunteer Fire Department responded with firefighters controlling the blaze within approximately 45 minutes, officials said.

Investigators say they have not yet determined the origin of the fire. The estimated monetary loss to the structure is $200,000, with an additional $100,000 in losses to the home's contents, fire marshals said.

Officials say nobody was home during the time of the fire and that two pets died in the blaze.

Fire marshals are asking anyone who may have more information on this incident to call the Easton Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal at 410-822-7609.