Fire Damages Vacant Charlestown Restaurant; Investigation Underway

A fire caused significant damage to a vacant former restaurant in Charlestown, Cecil County on the evening of May 12, prompting an active investigation by fire officials. The two-alarm blaze broke out at the site of the old Beachcomber bar and restaurant, located at 873 Bladen Street, with an estimated loss of $250,000 reported.

The fire was discovered shortly after 6 p.m. when the property owner and another individual entered the building to check on the premises. According to fire officials, the pair reportedly attempted to activate the building’s electrical system, heard an unusual sound, and soon noticed smoke. They called 911, and firefighters from the Charlestown Volunteer Fire Company arrived within minutes to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure.

Roughly 60 firefighters responded to the scene, managing to bring the fire under control within an hour. The building, a two-story structure once operating as a bar and restaurant, was unoccupied at the time, and no injuries were reported. Investigators remained on site into the night examining the scene.

The structure had no working smoke detectors or fire suppression systems, according to authorities. The exact cause and point of origin remain under investigation, and the public is encouraged to provide any information to the Northeast Regional Office at 410-386-3050.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office

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