Garage Fire in Pittsville Caused by Lithium-Ion Battery Failure

Pittsville, MD - A fire occurred on August 9, 2025, at approximately 8:10 p.m. at a two-story, wood-framed, single-family dwelling located in the 34000 block of Heartland Drive, Pittsville, Wicomico County, Maryland.

The incident involved 20 firefighters from the Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department, responding to a single alarm. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes of their arrival.

Smoke alarms and fire sprinklers in the structure were present and activated as designed.  

The fire originated in the garage and was discovered by the homeowner. Investigators have determined that the preliminary cause of the fire was accidental, arising from the failure of a lithium-ion battery.  

The estimated loss includes $20,000 for structural damage and an additional $10,000 for damaged contents.