At 7:04 am on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, along with mutual aid companies, we were dispatched to the Tractor Supply Store in Kent Plaza Shopping Center for the reported building fire. Employees arrived to open for the day and found a smoke condition in the store.

Galena VFC Assistant Chief 3-3 (Brian Knott) was in the immediate area and the first to arrive. His Brief Initial Report conveyed nothing evident outside, but there was a smoke condition inside. In the fire service, we recognize Chief officers from other companies that we're familiar with and work with. It's customary for them to assume command of an incident, pending the arrival of fire officers for the jurisdiction where the incident is. At that time, the home company officer has the discretion of assuming command of the incident, or allowing the visiting officer to remain in command.

A thorough investigation of the structure included putting crews on the roof to have a look at the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) units. A problem was discovered with one of these units, causing smoke to be inserted into the store through the heat vents. The unit was shut-off until an HVAC contractor can make repairs. Crews then used PPV (Positive Pressure Ventilation) fans to clear the smoke from inside the building. The store was released back to Tractor Supply personnel about an hour later.

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Emergency Services dispatched to this incident:

Chestertown VFC
Kennedyville VFC
Crumpton VFC
Church Hill VFC
Kent & Queen Annes Rescue Squad
Chestertown Police Department