'Devastating' Fire Ravages Popular Restaurant In Cecil County

ELKTON, MD — A four-alarm blaze tore through a Cecil County restaurant early Friday morning, causing an estimated $2 million in damage, according to Maryland state fire officials.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal said it was investigating a "devastating" fire that broke out at Rookies Hilltop Bar & Restaurant on Hilltop Road in Elkton.

Shortly after midnight, officials said an employee discovered smoke coming from the two-story restaurant’s basement. Approximately three dozen firefighters from the Singerly Volunteer Fire Company and surrounding departments responded, bringing the initial one-alarm fire under control within 30 minutes.

Deputy state fire marshals later determined the fire originated in the basement and was caused by an electrical fault in a basement panel. Investigators ruled the blaze accidental.

No injuries were reported, and firefighters and investigators cleared the scene around 3 a.m.

Around 7 a.m., firefighters were called back to the bar and restaurant after officials said the flames had reignited.

When crews arrived, they found heavy flames throughout the building and quickly escalated the fire to a four-alarm blaze. Multiple departments, including those from Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Kent County, Maryland, assisted as firefighters worked for several hours to control the fire.

“Even with extensive overhaul efforts, a rekindle can occur when hidden embers remain buried within walls, roofing or debris. These hot spots can smolder for hours before flaring back up," Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire said in a statement. "While uncommon, it does occasionally happen despite the thorough work of firefighters.”

Investigators confirmed the restaurant was not equipped with smoke alarms, sprinklers or a fire alarm system.