Fire Sparked by Heat Lamp Displaces Sudlersville Family of Six

Queen Anne's County, MD - On April 4, 2026, at approximately 10:53 a.m., a structure fire occurred at a two-story, single-family dwelling located in the 200 block of North Church Street in Sudlersville, Queen Anne's County, Maryland.

The fire was discovered by members of the Sudlersville Volunteer Fire Company. The incident was located directly across from the fire department, which allowed for early detection and notification.

A total of 30 firefighters responded to the single-alarm incident. The fire was brought under control within 15 minutes.

Preliminary investigation determined that the fire was accidental. The interior fire was the result of a heat lamp being used for baby chickens, which were housed inside the residence at the time.

A smoke alarm was present and activated during the incident.

The fire displaced two adults and four children. The loss estimated by the State Fire Marshal's Office is valued at $75,000 for the structure and $25,000 for the contents.