Early Morning House Fire Kills Two in Salisbury

SALISBURY, Md. – The State Fire Marshal and the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office are continuing to investigate the cause of a house fire in Salisbury that claimed the lives of two people early Friday morning.

At around 2:10 a.m., the Salisbury Fire Department and surrounding departments responded to 1315 Middleneck Drive after a neighbor called 911 to report a house fire. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire throughout the two-story, single-family home. 

“There were several fire departments here, not only Salisbury, but surrounding departments in Wicomico County as well as Delmar. It took about 50 firefighters to get the fire under control,” Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal Matt Stevens said.

Investigators have preliminarily identified the victims as the homeowners of the property, an 85-year-old husband and his 79-year-old wife.

“When they arrived, they had two people that were still inside the home. They removed the victims from the house, and tried to do lifesaving efforts, but unfortunately, they were pronounced deceased at Tidal Health,” Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal Matt Stevens said.

No evidence of arson was discovered at the scene. Officials are still working to determine the exact cause.

“We’ve determined the origin of the fire to be on the first floor living room. We’re focusing our cause as the overloaded electrical circuit most likely,” Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal Matt Stevens.

“Our hearts break for the victims and their families,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray in a statement. “This tragedy is a devastating reminder of the importance of working smoke alarms and practicing fire safety. Please check your smoke alarms, create an escape plan, and practice it regularly. If a fire breaks out – get out and stay out.”

The Office of the State Fire Marshal urges all Marylanders to have working smoke alarms on every level of their homes and inside sleeping areas. To learn more about smoke alarm safety or to request a smoke alarm for your home, visit Get Alarmed Maryland.