On Thursday, November 20th, just after 10:00 a.m., the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company and mutual aid companies were dispatched for a house fire in the 25000 block of Smithville Road, located in the Town of Worton near Kent County High School. Initial responding units were advised that the kitchen was on fire and all occupants had safely evacuated the residence.
Paramedic 11 (Kent EMS) arrived first and reported smoke showing from a one-story home, confirming everyone was out. Deputy Chief 8 arrived shortly after and reported a working kitchen fire. Squad 6 then requested Kent Dispatch to transmit the Working Fire Dispatch. This assignment brings additional specialized resources such as extra ladder truck, rescue unit, and rehabilitation trailer.
Squad 6 arrived and deployed a single 1 ¾” hand line through the rear of the residence. Inside, crews located a pot of food on fire with extension into the kitchen cabinetry. After confirming the fire had not spread into the walls, attic, or adjacent cabinets, the incident was scaled back to Chestertown units.
Responding Companies:
• Chestertown VFC
• Betterton VFC
• Rock Hall VFC
• Galena VFC
• Crumpton VFC
• Kent and Queen Anne’s Rescue Squad
• Kent County EMS
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Public Information Advisory: What to Do if a Kitchen Fire Occurs
Cooking remains the leading cause of home fires nationwide. If a fire breaks out in your kitchen, here are the safest steps to follow:
• If a fire starts on the stove:
• Turn off the burner if you can do so safely.
• Never use water on a grease fire—it can cause the fire to spread rapidly.
• Smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and leaving it covered.
• If you have a Class K or multi-purpose extinguisher (ABC), you may use it if the fire is small and contained.
• If the fire spreads beyond the pan or you feel unsafe:
• Evacuate the home immediately.
• Close the door behind you to slow the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 from a safe location.
• Always stay in the kitchen when cooking and keep anything that can burn—towels, utensils, packaging—away from the stove.
Taking quick, safe action can prevent injuries and help limit damage.
