Elkton, MD – A fire broke out early Monday morning at Captain Zach’s Crab Shack, located behind Sarge’s Market at 751 Augustine Herman Hwy. The incident was reported at 3:51 a.m.
The fire occurred in a 10′ x 10′ shed used by the crab shack. Fortunately, there were no injuries or deaths reported. The structure sustained an estimated $10,000 in damages. Neither smoke alarms nor fire alarms/sprinklers were present at the site.
The Singerly Fire Company responded to the scene with 30 firefighters, who managed to control the fire within 20 minutes. The blaze was initially discovered by a passerby.
Investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal are currently examining the area to determine the cause of the fire. While the cause remains under investigation, they are considering accidental causes, including a possible failure of a freezer/refrigerator unit that had been experiencing issues, as well as a potential electrical failure. Nearby surveillance videos have been reviewed, and there is no evidence of criminal activity at this time.
In addition, the fire department is conducting a controlled burn-off of a 500-pound propane tank that sustained damage during the fire. Sarge’s Market, located near the shed, did not sustain any damage.
The investigation is ongoing, and Deputy State Fire Marshals continue to work to determine the exact cause of the fire.