Flames Tear Through Preston Home, Family Left Displaced

Caroline County, MD - A house fire broke out Tuesday afternoon in Preston, leaving a family without a home and causing an estimated $200,000 in combined damages.

The fire was reported at approximately 4:58 p.m. on April 22, 2026, in the 4800 block of Birch Drive in Preston, Caroline County, Maryland. The one-story, single-family home was engulfed in flames when emergency crews arrived on scene.

The Preston Volunteer Fire Company led the response to the blaze. A total of 39 firefighters worked together to bring the fire under control. It took crews one hour and twelve minutes to get the situation fully under control.

The fire was discovered by one of the occupants of the home. Investigators have determined that the fire originated on the exterior of the residence. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Damage estimates are significant. The structure itself sustained an estimated $150,000 in damage, while the contents of the home are estimated at an additional $50,000 in losses. That brings the total estimated loss to $200,000.

The occupants of the home have been displaced as a result of the fire. It is unclear at this time how many people lived in the residence or where they are currently staying.

This is a developing story, and more information is expected to be released as the investigation continues. The Office of the State Fire Marshal is leading the investigation into the cause and origin of the fire.

If you have any information that may be helpful, you are asked to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal Upper Eastern Regional Office at 410-819-3500.