Flames broke out at the corner of 16th and West in Ocean City this morning, completely engulfing the 2nd floor of the home located there, at least a part of which operates as a halfway house known as Oxford House Bayside. There were early rumors that at least 1 occupant may have been trapped inside, but it is now reported that everyone has been evacuated with no injuries mentioned. The fire was declared under control shortly after 9am. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
[UPDATE. 6:20pm, 10/26/24] The Ocean City Firefighters Association has released a statement about today’s blaze. It states that the A-Platoon responded to the fire call at approximately 8:27am along with the Ocean City Police. 2 people were initially trapped on the balcony, but were able to get out on their own accord with the assistance of the Police. The fire was put under control in approximately 45 minutes after the arrival of the first fire truck. During the effort to contain and extinguish the fire, 1 firefighter became trapped on a balcony due to a propane tank explosion, and was able to climb down once a ladder was brought to his location. No one has been reported injured. The Red Cross also arrived on the scene to provide aid to the survivors.
Videos of the fire can be viewed here:
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