First arriving was Deputy Chief 5 – Betterton VFC, who reported smoke showing from the eaves of the house. Shortly thereafter, Chief 6 (John “Otis” Darling arrived in “Command 6”, an SUV. With bystander reports of a dog still in the house, Chief 6 dressed in his PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and donned an SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) A.K.A. an air pack. He made entry into the home prior to the arrival of the fire suppression engine to make a search for the animal. Quickly locating the dog, he removed the animal, where he was assisted by Kent County Sheriffs Office deputies waiting outside.

The dog was turned over to EMS (Kent & Queen Annes Rescue Squad) which by now was on the scene. The animal was found to be in cardiac arrest. Animal CPR was started. An animal oxygen mask, which we carry on our units, was quickly applied, providing high flow oxygen. It didn’t take long before dog began to revive and begin breathing on it’s own.

Animal Control was requested to transport the dog to an Emergency Vet in Dover, Delaware. During transport, and prior to arrival there, the animal became extremely anxious and upset. The owner asked that continued transport to the vet be canceled, whereby they turned around and headed back towards Chestertown. Unfortunately, at this writing, we have no report on the dog’s condition, but the outcome is believed to be positive.

At the same time this was happening, our Engine 6 arrived and deployed a single 1-3/4 hose line, and made entry into the home for fire suppression. They located the fire in the front portion of the home and quickly extinguished it. The home, however, suffered serious damage due to fire, smoke, and heat. At the beginning of the incident, a Tanker Task Force, and a Working Fire Dispatch was requested. These extra resources were not needed, though.

The Fire Marshal was requested, and a representative from the Maryland State Fire Marshals Office responded to the scene. An Origin & Cause Investigation was completed. At this time, the preliminary determination of the cause is believed to be a lightning strike.

The power company came to the scene and secured the electrical power.

The dog was the only casualty. There were no injuries to civilians or emergency responders.

Companies responded:

Chestertown VFC

Galena VFC

Betterton VFC

Rock Hall VFC

Crumpton VFC

Sudlersville VFC

Kent & Queen Annes Rescue Squad

Kent County EMS

Delmarva Power

Maryland State Fire Marshals Office

Millington VFC (Community Fire Company) responded to our station, in order to maintain Fire & Life Safety Protection for our community.