Our first arriving crews did a stellar job with knocking down the fire on the first and second floor. Right away, crews were pushed towards the attic with the intent of getting ahead of the fire. It was found the fire had already breached the attic. Once the attic access was located, crews were challenged because of the restricted size of the opening. After great difficulty, firefighters were able to squeeze through and gain access. They were immediately confronted by heat and dense smoke. By working aggressively, they were able to get a handle on the fire in the attic.

The occupants of the home, who were not home at the time of the fire, were displaced by the fire. They were taken in by friends. Several firefighters were evaluated at the scene for heat exhaustion, but were not transported to the hospital. A representative of Delmarva Power came to the scene and disconnected electric service from the house. The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office responded to the scene and conducted an Origin & Cause investigation. The results of their findings is not known at this time. Fire crews operated at this incident for just under 4-1/2 hours. Another 90 minutes was required back at the fire station to clean equipment, service air paks and repack fire hose.

Photographs courtesy of Nevin Steffy, Chestertown VFC and Crumpton VFC.

Use of photographs by the media for reproduction is authorized.

Companies & Emergency Service Organizations:

Chestertown VFC
Kennedyville VFC
Church Hill VFC
Crumpton VFC
Rock Hall VFC
Galena VFC
Kent & Queen Annes Rescue Squad
Kent County EMS
Chestertown Police Department
Maryland State Fire Marshals Office
Delmarva Power