An investigation is continuing after an early-morning blaze Thursday destroyed a waterfront restaurant near Elkton, causing an estimated $1 million in damage, according to the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal.
The call for the two-alarm fire at the two-story UnWined on the Water building on the Triton Marina property in the 200 block of Plum Point Road, southwest of Elkton, came at 1:40 a.m. on Thursday, fire officials said. It prompted firefighters with numerous volunteer fire companies from the region, including Delaware and Harford County, and other first responders to rush to the scene, fire officials added.
鈥淭roopers with Maryland State Police North East Barrack arrived on the scene first and reported heavy fire throughout the building,鈥 an MOSFM spokesperson said.
Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly two hours before bringing it under control, according to fire officials, who listed Singerly Volunteer Fire Company of Elkton and the North East Volunteer Fire Company as two of the responding departments from Cecil County.
鈥淒ue to high winds, the fire spread rapidly throughout the restaurant, ultimately causing the collapse of the roof and both interior floors. The restaurant has been deemed a total loss. No injuries have been reported,鈥 the spokesperson said, adding that 鈥渉eavy equipment assisted firefighters in removing large sections of debris.鈥
A team of MOSFM detectives spent several hours at the scene Thursday, conducting an investigation aimed at pinpointing where the blaze started and at determining what caused it, according to the spokesperson.
鈥淚nvestigators confirmed through video surveillance that the fire originated around 1:10 a.m. and that no vehicle or person was present on the property prior to the fire. They are confident that the fire originated towards the rear of the restaurant, including the rear deck patio. While the cause is under investigation, Deputy State Fire Marshals emphasize that there is no evidence of a criminal act, and all potential accidental causes are being considered,鈥 the spokesperson updated on Thursday afternoon.
UnWined on the Water was popular for its live music; for its outdoor seating and grounds that gave patrons a beautiful view of the adjacent Elk River in the warmer months; and for its varied menu.
Hours after the fire, UnWined鈥檚 owner posted a statement on the business鈥 social media pages thanking the community for the outpouring of support and promising updates as the business rebuilds.
鈥淭hank you for so much love and appreciation. Without all of you UnWined isn鈥檛 possible. As we navigate back to you, there will be updates and progress reports so you all know how things are going. For now, let鈥檚 all look forward to the day we will gather here again, gaze upon a new and improved UnWined on the Water and dance until we can鈥檛 dance anymore! Until then, stay safe and stay strong!鈥 The post reads.
As news of the devastating fire trickled throughout the local music community Thursday, musicians who performed at UnWined on the Water posted heartfelt messages on social media.
鈥淓xit 93 would like to express our sadness and also thank UnWined on the Water. They have always treated us great and the relationship was very strong. We are not sure what the next steps are for them but are willing to support in anyway!鈥 wrote one of the members of the Exit 93 band.
The news also hit close to home for Samantha Seider, who was scheduled to perform at UnWined on the Water on Saturday. She is the founder of the regionally popular Samantha鈥 Duo.
鈥淲riting this post while I ugly cry. Today is a dark day. I am devastated to hear that my music home Unwined on the Water burned down last night. The words are not finding me right now to express just how sad this is to our community here in Cecil County, to the music community, and to the INCREDIBLEEEEEE staff at UnWined. We will not be the same until UnWined 2.0 opens its doors. And we are ALL here to help make that happen! But today, we mourn, we remember, we share stories, and we pray for our family at UnWined. I LOVE YOU ALL!鈥 Seider wrote on her Facebook page.
Fire officials are asking anyone with information that might help in this investigation to call the Northeast Regional Office of the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal at 410-386-3050.
The fire at Unwined on the Water on Thursday marks the third blaze to cause at least $1 million in estimated damage to a Cecil County restaurant within approximately a three-month period, according to fire officials and Cecil Whig archives.
On Sept. 19, a fire gutted the landmark Rookies Hilltop Inn on Route 273 north of Elkton, causing an estimated $2 million in damage. Rookies Hilltop Inn restaurant and bar also was a popular live music venue.
In late July, a blaze caused approximately one million dollars in damage to Mario鈥檚 Pizza off Route 213, near the Cherry Hill traffic circle, north of Elkton.
Stay tuned to , as more details about this fire become available.

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