On Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 3:58 pm, the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company, along with multiple Mutual Aid Fire Companies, was dispatched to the 8900 block of Orchard Drive (Orchard Hill Community) for the “Outside Fire with Exposure” (An exposure means a fire is potentially threatening other, as yet uninvolved, structures.) The 9-1-1 caller was reporting a large area of grass burning. It’s believed the source of the fire was sparks from a back yard fire pit, being used to dispose of household cardboard.
First arriving Deputy Chief 6 / Russum reported less than ¼ acre involved, with fore slowly spreading through dried out, lawn-type grass. He held the box assignment to Chestertown VFC units. Arriving fire suppression resources quickly acted to stop the fire spread, and wet down the burned area.
Although no open burning ban is in effect, the public should know the Upper Eastern Shore of Maryland remains in severe drought conditions. This has caused natural covers, such as grass, brush, and woodland to become very dry and vulnerable to fire. We have shared alerts when the National Weather Service is reporting heightened concern for the spread of wildfire. Just because no fire alert is in place, does not mean the hazard is any less.
If you intend to engage in any open burning, we strongly suggest reviewing, and adhering to the policies and procedures as set forth by the Kent County Health Department – Environmental Health division, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Forestry Division. We are headed into Spring, that time of year when the instances of out-of-control Wildfire spikes across the state.
