Smoke and flames shoot out of the rear of the home at 1001 Russell Ave. in Salisbury.

Salisbury Fire Department Photo

The Pinehurst neighborhood home of Salisbury University lacrosse coach Jim Berkman was destroyed by fire early Sunday, the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office said.

Salisbury Fire Department Photo

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By Greg Bassett

The Pinehurst neighborhood home of Salisbury University lacrosse coach Jim Berkman was destroyed by fire early Sunday, the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office said.

Salisbury firefighters were called to the 1001 Russell St. home just before 10 a.m., where they found the two-story, wood-frame, single-family home engulfed in flames.

Berkman and his wife, Jenn, have owned and lived in the home since 2003.

About 40 firefighters in all responded to the scene. It took nearly an hour to bring the fire under control.

Two firefighters suffered minor injuries during their firefighting efforts; each was taken to TidalHealth Peninsula Region and later released.

Officials said three family pets -- two cats and a dog -- were killed in the fire.

The Fire Marshal estimated the structure loss at $200,000 and contents losses at $50,000.

The fire was reported by a passer-by. Officials believe the blaze started in the living room.The cause is under investigation.

Well known in the Salisbury community, Berkman has been SU’s lacrosse coach since 1989. One of the top lacrosse coaches in the nation, he has led Salisbury to 13 NCAA Division III Men's Lacrosse Championships, including one last spring.