Three Dogs and a Cat Perish in Nanticoke Structure Fire

Wicomico County, MD - On Saturday, February 7, 2026, emergency personnel responded to a structure fire in Wicomico County, Maryland. At approximately 1:57 p.m., the West Side Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a residence located in the 2500 block of Hickman Lane in Nanticoke.

The incident involved a two-story, wood-framed single-family dwelling. A passerby discovered the fire and alerted authorities.

Forty-six firefighters responded to the one-alarm fire. It took crews approximately one and a half hours to bring the situation under control.

Investigators determined the area of origin to be an exterior water pump house attached to the residence.

The preliminary cause was ruled accidental due to an electrical failure.

The estimated financial loss is $145,000 for the structure and $40,000 for its contents.

One occupant was displaced by the damage and is currently being assisted by family members. While no human injuries were reported, three dogs and a cat perished in the fire.