Fire Destroys Pole Barn and Claims the Life of Family Pet

Rhodesdale, MD - A fire early Monday morning destroyed a pole barn in Rhodesdale, resulting in significant property loss and the death of a family pet.

The incident occurred on January 12, 2026, at approximately 1:56 a.m. in the 5000 block of Galestown-Reliance Road in Rhodesdale, Maryland.

Firefighters from the Eldorado Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene after a passerby discovered the blaze. Upon arrival, crews found a wood-frame pole barn with metal siding, measuring approximately 30 feet by 50 feet, fully involved. Forty firefighters worked for an hour to bring the fire under control.

The structure and its contents were deemed a total loss, with damages estimated at $100,000 for the building and an additional $100,000 for the contents. These estimates are on behalf of the State Fire Marshall's Office.

Officials have confirmed that a pet dog unfortunately perished in the fire.

Investigators determined the fire originated in the void space between the roof and the interior ceiling. The preliminary cause has been ruled accidental, attributed to an unspecified electrical event involving branch electrical circuits above the ceiling.