The landowner was performing a prescription burn in a former gravel pit and was in possession of an up-to-date Burn Permit. However, due to the lack of rain and extremely dry natural cover, along with a breeze that caused sparks to fly, the fire jumped the established perimeter and began spreading out-of-control.

Quickly recognizing the need for assistance, the landowner called 9-1-1 to request a fire company response. The incident was promptly dispatched. Our Rescue-Engine 6 was in Rock Hall, returning after operating at a Vessel-in-Distress call near Eastern Neck Island. They immediately began responding, but that’s a fairly long run. At the same time, our Brush 6 and Tanker 6 made the response from our station.

Deputy Chief 6 (Brad Russum) arrived, established command, and found the fire advancing up an embankment. Because of the imminent threat this fire would quickly turn into a larger incident, Command made a special request for two additional brush trucks and another tanker. Other fire companies in the county, hearing the call, and also recognizing the dry conditions and hazard, marked up on air and offered to respond. This offer was quickly accepted. The two next due brush trucks were Kennedyville VFC, and Betterton VFC. The additional companies that marked up and voluntarily responded were Millington VFC (Community Fire Company…), Galena VFC, and Rock Hall VFC.

Our Brush 6 was already on the scene working, and with the arrival of Rescue Engine 6, that crew deployed a handline (hose) from Tanker 6 and promptly went to work. Fortunately, the crews on the scene from Chestertown VFC and Kennedyville VFC quickly gained control of the situation. With the fire now under control, the level of response was reduced to just these two companies on the fire scene working. The rest of the responding equipment was canceled. (Our greatest appreciation to all those other companies that took the initiative by offering to respond.)

Crews from both Chestertown and Kennedyville remained on the scene, continuing to “overhaul” the fire. Overhaul is the labor-intensive process of making sure a fire is completely out, that no hot spots remain. It’s estimated more than 10,000 gallons of water was used. After clearing the “Outside Fire” incident, Chestertown VFC members spent more than an hour-and-a-half back at the station, repacking hose, cleaning equipment, and washing the vehicles used. An incident like this generates a lot of labor, both at the fire, and back at the station.

While no burning ban is in place, yet… we remind everyone to use extreme caution with any open-air burning. It might even be a better idea to postpone planned prescription burns until we receive rain, and conditions improve. Kent County residents are reminded that all open burning in the county requires a Burn Permit, which is governed by the Environmental Office of the Kent County Health Department. There are strict guidelines about what can, and can’t be burned, the time opening burning can occur, and requires the permit recipient to keep equipment on hand in case there is a problem. To apply for a burn permit, call the Kent County Health Department Environmental Office at 410-778-1350.