A popular waterfront restaurant overlooking the Elk River in Elkton, Maryland, has collapsed after it was consumed by flames in the night. The damage has been estimated at $1 million.
The fire broke out at Unwined on the Water, located at Triton Marina, just before 1:40 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 6. Maryland State Police North East Barrack troopers were the first to arrive, reporting heavy fire overtaking the two-story building. The Singerly Fire Company responded with help from North East, Water Witch, Rising Sun, Perryville, and Charlestown fire crews along with at least three Delaware agencies.
The crews brought the two-alarm fire under control in two hours, but the roof and both stories of the building collapsed entirely. An excavator was brought to the scene to begin removing debris. A team of Deputy State Fire Marshals from the Office of the Maryland Fire Marshal responded to the fire, which they determined started in the rear of the restaurant building.
The fire was more challenging to fight because of windy conditions experienced throughout the Chesapeake Bay region. The National Weather Service reported wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour in the middle Bay overnight.
Unwined on the Water, now a total loss, was beloved for its peninsula location and water views on three sides. “From any table, you get beautiful views, whether you are outside on the deck or inside,” owner John Bragg said in a 2022 Cecil County Chamber of Commerce Business Directory and Community Guide article.
Sadly, this is not the restaurant owner’s first experience with a crippling fire. The first UnWined on the Water location, in nearby North East, Maryland, suffered extensive interior fire damage in March 2019. The fire marshal’s office determined a pile of freshly washed kitchen towels spontaneously combusted to cause that blaze.
One year later in March 2020, Bragg opened his new location at Triton Marina. The challenges continued as Maryland Governor Larry Hogan ordered restaurants across the state to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant was able to survive the pandemic restrictions, and has become popular with waterfront enthusiasts and upper Bay boaters in the years since then. Many on social media were shocked to see it destroyed, recalling recent visits. A common sentiment is, I hope they rebuild.
The community has rallied around the restaurant staff, who are now out of work. Bel Air, Maryland, pub Route 24 Ale House is holding an event Thursday, Nov. 13 from 5-7pm to benefit the Unwined on the Water team, donating 100% of all proceeds.
The state fire marshal’s office continues to investigate the fire. They have examined video surveillance and confirmed that no one was present on the property before the fire started around 1:10 a.m. “They are confident that the fire originated towards the rear of the restaurant, including the rear deck patio,” the fire marshal’s office says, and there is no evidence of a criminal act. They emphasize that all potential accidental causes are being considered.
