CUMBERLAND — An early-morning fire Monday destroyed an unoccupied, two-story, wood-frame home at 106 East Roberts St. in South Cumberland, according to Cumberland Fire Marshal Lt. Shannon Adams.
Speaking from the fire scene at 10:40 a.m. Monday, Adams said it is undetermined when he and Maryland Deputy State Fire Marshal K. Nieberlein will be able to enter the dwelling to look for cause.
“We’ve tried a couple times, but some floors are missing and some are collapsed. We have to wait until it is safe,” Adams said.
Joining Cumberland’s firefighters in the 3:13 a.m. call were those from Bowling Green, Corriganville, Wiley Ford and Ridgeley for a total of 23. An ambulance from Cresaptown was on call for Cumberland.
“The house had a fully involved fire when crews got there,” Adams said. “They used an exterior attack, because they just couldn’t get inside.”
Adams said the home is owned by Edna and Steven Robertson, who have been living with relatives since a previous fire at the same location in May 2011.
Damage is estimated at $10,000 to the structure and $2,000 to contents that remained since the home was vacated.
In addition there was about $5,000 damage from radiant heat to the home at 100 East Roberts St., Adams said.
The fire was reported by a neighbor, according to Neiberlein, who said the fire, which began on the first floor, was extinguished in 40 minutes. Information about the fire can be relayed to authorities at 301-766-3888.
Contact Michael A. Sawyers at msawyers@times-news.com.
