Woman Rescued from Worcester County House Fire; Suspect Charged with Arson

POCOMOKE, MD - On December 28, 2025, emergency personnel rescued a trapped occupant from a burning residence in Worcester County, Maryland. A subsequent investigation determined the fire was intentionally set, leading to the arrest of a suspect of the Arson.

Worcester County Emergency Services received a 911 call at approximately 1:40 p.m. from a resident in the 400 block of Linden Avenue. The caller reported that her house was on fire and she was trapped on the second floor.

A Pocomoke City Police Officer, a Pocomoke City EMS clinician, and a Pocomoke City volunteer firefighter arrived on the scene within minutes.

These heroes forced entry into the residence and rescued the victim prior to the arrival of fire apparatus. No safety equipment was utilized during the rescue operation.

Firefighters from the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company arrived shortly thereafter and brought the blaze under control. The victim sustained serious injuries during the incident.

She was transported by Maryland State Police Aviation Command to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland for further treatment of her burns.

Investigators from the Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office responded to analyze the scene. Following evidence collection and interviews, it was determined that the fire originated inside the residence and was incendiary.

Margaret Jane Benchama was identified as a person of interest. Benchama was located and detained at approximately 6:30 p.m.

During an interview with investigators, she admitted to intentionally starting the fire.
Worcester County Deputy Fire Marshals arrested Benchama on charges of First Degree Arson and Second Degree Arson. She is currently being held at the Worcester County Jail without bond.

Disclosure: All individuals mentioned in this article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Eastern Shore Undercover® does not express or imply any opinion regarding the incident reported.