At approximately 5 pm on Thursday, January 2, 2020, the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched as mutual aid to the Betterton VFC for the Working Fire Dispatch. The location given was 12899 Still Pond Road, which is just north of Still Pond, in the area of the Still Pond Cemetery.

Chief 5 / Dan Menchey (Betterton) arrived first to find an old, abandoned, two (2) story farm house back in the woods, fully-involved with fire. A Tanker Task Force, consisting of four (4) tankers and one (1) engine was requested. The first arriving engine company was instructed to drop a supply line through the cemetery, back towards the house.

The Chestertown VFC provided an Engine, Tower, Rescue and Tanker with a total staffing of twenty (20) personnel. While our tanker participated in the Water Shuttle, our crews assisted with fire attack and overhaul. Overhaul is the process where we ensure the fire is completely extinguished. The house was a total loss, with a portion of the structure completely collapsed in the front corner.

The power company was requested, as was the Maryland State Fire Marshals Office. The fire marshal is conducting an Origin & Cause Investigation. The results of that investigation are not available as of this release.

Photographs are courtesy of Chief 5/Dan Menchey and the Chestertown VFC. Media may use photographs.

Companies on the scene:

Betterton VFC
Kennedyville VFC
Galena VFC
Chestertown VFC
Crumpton VFC
Rock Hall VFC
Cecilton VFC (Cecil County)

Companies standing by for the Chestertown VFC:
Crumpton VFC
Sudlersville VFC