MD Radio: WGOP 540 AM Destroyed By Fire

The fire at WGOP. Photo Credit: Facebook/Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company

A longtime radio staple in Maryland has burned to the ground in an accidental fire, according to multiple reports.

The Daily Voice reports first responders from multiple agencies in Maryland responded to the home of WGOP 540 AM (500 watts) in Pocomoke City on Thursday, Aug. 18, officials said, which was the former home of WDMV.

Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and fire coming from the attic of the building, and it took approximately 50 firefighters from Maryland and Virginia more than an hour to knock down the flames and get the blaze under control, though crews remained in the area for several hours to continue overhauling the scene and watching for any hotspots or flare-ups. 

The initial investigation determined that the cause of the fire was accidental when an electrical wire failed in the attic of the building, which has stood since the mid-1950s and was considered a complete loss by the fire marshal.

"Crews overcame numerous challenges to get to the seat of the fire and begin making progress," according to a spokesperson from the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company. "Multiple lines were placed in service and all hands were put to work upon their arrival." 

WGOP is owned by the Birch Broadcasting Corporation, which has not released a statement or any additional information about the fire.