WESTOVER, MD – A structure fire occurred at a single-family dwelling in Westover, Somerset County, on December 30 at 2:57 PM. The incident took place at 8718 Fontaine Road, causing substantial damage.
The property, a one-story, wood-frame house owned by Byron Kearse, sustained significant losses. The structure damage is estimated at $120,000, while the contents loss is approximately $30,000. The fire alarms were operational at the time of the incident. However, there were no sprinkler systems installed.
Fairmount Volunteer Fire Company responded to the scene, with 20 firefighters working to control the blaze within 50 minutes. The fire was first discovered by the occupant, and its origin and cause are currently under investigation.
Although there were no human injuries or deaths reported, a pet dog perished in the fire. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.