Structure Fire in Bivalve Caused by Faulty Lithium Battery

Wicomico County, MD - A structure fire occurred at a 12-foot by 24-foot garage located in the 4200 block of Tyaskin Nanticoke Road in Bivalve, Wicomico County, Maryland, on March 19, 2026. The incident was reported at 4:28 p.m. after the property owner discovered the fire.

Twenty-five firefighters from the Westside Volunteer Fire Department responded to the single-alarm incident. The fire was brought under control in 30 minutes.

The fire originated in the interior rear of the garage. Preliminary investigations determined the cause of the fire was accidental, resulting from the failure of a lithium-ion battery.

The estimated loss is $5,000 for the structure and $20,000 for the contents.

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) was contacted to collect the remains of the failed battery, as well as another battery that was damaged in the fire.