Shed Fire on Ocean Gateway Draws 35 Firefighters; Mysterious Cries Solved by Unlikely Culprits

Wicomico County, MD - A shed fire on the 27000 block of Ocean Gateway in Hebron sent firefighters rushing to the scene Monday evening, and had investigators briefly concerned that someone might be trapped inside.

The fire was reported at 6:38 p.m. on April 20, 2026, after a passerby spotted the blaze and called it in. That same passerby told authorities they had heard someone inside the shed yelling for help, raising immediate concern for a possible victim.

Hebron Volunteer Fire Department responded to the two-alarm call with 35 firefighters from their department and surrounding agencies. Crews worked for approximately 30 minutes before bringing the fire under control.

The burning structure was a 15 by 30 wood-framed shed. Damage estimates came in at $10,500 for the structure itself and an additional $5,500 for the contents inside, putting the total estimated loss at $16,000.

As for those cries for help, investigators quickly got to the bottom of it. The sounds were traced to domesticated animals in the rear yard of the property. No humans or animals were injured during the incident.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.

Hebron is a small community in Wicomico County, and scenes like this are a reminder of how quickly a fire can escalate and draw a significant emergency response. The quick action of the passerby who stopped to report the fire ensured crews arrived promptly.

If you have any information related to this fire, you are encouraged to contact local authorities.