BERLIN — Two residential home fires almost simultaneously in northern Worcester County on Thursday evening, one in West Ocean City and the other near Showell kept firefighters from all over the region extremely busy.
Around 7:05 p.m., area firefighters responded to a residence on Riverview Drive in a subdivision outside Ocean Pines near Showell. First arriving units fond the large, two-story waterfront home fully involved with fire. The house was occupied at the time by the owners and no injuries were reported.
About 20 minutes later, a second fire was reported at a residence on Old Bridge Rd. in West Ocean City. First arrivers found the rear exterior deck on fire with extension inside the house, located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Old Bridge Rd. and Golf Course Rd. The Ocean City Fire Department responded, along with fire companies from all over Worcester, Wicomico and Sussex County, Del.
In all, eight of the 10 fire companies in Worcester County were involved in either the suppression of the fire or on standby. With two active fires going on simultaneously, certain primary responders handle fire suppression while other companies back fill in stations vacated by the primary companies. In short, just about every fire company on the Lower Shore was active during the two blazes in some capacity.
The West Ocean City residence was occupied at the time, but no injuries were reported. However, sadly, that fire did result in the loss of two family pets. Both fires have been listed as accidental and information on the exact cause will be released by the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office at a later date.
In the great Ocean City tradition of rallying for those in the community in need, efforts are already underway to support the West Ocean City family that lost nearly everything in that blaze. The Pusey family, including Jennifer and Brian, their two children Ashley and Bailey, along with a father-in-law, a nephew and the nephew’s girlfriend lost everything in the fire. They currently have a temporary place to stay. A Facebook page called Pusey Family Fire Recovery has been set up for those in the community that wish to help in their time of need. The site is asking the community to help with money and gift cards for clothing, groceries and other needs.
In addition, the Calvin B. Taylor Bank is accepting donations for the Pusey family. Donations can be made at any bank branch. Also, donations can be made to Condominium Realty-Mark Fritschle Group.