Fire Affects Local Business and Apartments on Main Street

Students returning from winter break were greeted with an unfortunate sight in the heart of Downtown Frostburg. On Jan. 22, 2019, a three alarm fire tore through the three storefronts and several apartments located at 93-97 East Main Street. The fire began in the basement of 93 E. Main Street around 11:40 a.m. and continued to blaze well into the late-afternoon.

Among the displaced businesses was a beloved locally-owned store, the All Season Sports Card shop.

Several apartments were destroyed, as well, with residents moving temporarily to Hotel Gunter. Affected were local families, as well as a Frostburg State University alumnus. Donations and GoFundMe fundraising efforts were immediately underway to support those in need. Nearby businesses include the Eastern China Express restaurant, Sadie’s art gallery, and LG’s Pizza.

The Frostburg Volunteer Fire Department led the firefighting operation, and were assisted by companies from Allegany and Garrett Counties in Md. and Mineral County, W.Va. By dusk, all those affected were found unharmed. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries related to ice and snow and were treated at the Western Maryland Health System.

Frostburg’s Main Street is no stranger to building-destroying fires. In the most recent 15 years, the original Lyric Building, Gandalf’s Bar and Pub, and The Crestmont Gentlemen’s Apparel store have suffered losses. In December 2010, two Frostburg State University students died when they were trapped by fire inside a five-unit apartment building at the rear of 82 E. Main St.

Frostburg City Mayor, Robert Flanagan, remarked about the circumstance saying, “as Frostburg always does, we shall overcome, as we always do.”

Information on how to support or donate to those affected can be found at www.gofundme.com.