At approximately 7:30 p.m. on September 3, the Berlin Fire Company was alerted for the reported structure fire with explosion. Units arrived on location with fire showing from a gas main that had been cut by utility workers replacing a telephone pole damaged by tropical storm Ernesto. The pole and two utility trucks became engulfed following the explosion. Three employees inside the trucks escaped without injury.
Berlin Assistant Chief Derrick Simpson established command and requested mutual aid from Ocean Pines and Ocean City. Units operated two master streams and four large hand lines to cool and protect the surrounding buildings. The situation was placed under control in about two hours. The blast drew the attention of nearly the entire town, and caused the disruption of digital cable and Internet service for hundreds of customers in Ocean City, Berlin and Fenwick Island. Eastern Shore Gas was forced to close their gas lines to numerous customers as well.
The Maryland State Police, Berlin Police, Berlin Public Works departments and the State Highway Administration also responded to the scene.
