Fire Ravages Chestertown Home

CHESTERTOWN, Md. – The Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal is investigating a residential fire that destroyed a home on Tuesday afternoon.

At 2:35 p.m. on Jan. 20, crews from the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company (CVFC) and other area departments responded to a one-story house on Poplar Street. Upon arrival on the scene, crews found the house to be 60 percent involved with flames. They also identified a propane tank with an open relief valve behind the house, directly exposed to fire. The homeowners’ gas supplier was contacted and responded to remove the tank. 

Over 30 firefighters battled the blaze for an hour before successfully extinguishing it. CVFC reported that this house fire occurred in a rare part of town where a fire hydrant is not immediately available. Crews were assisted by officers with the The Chestertown Police Department and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, who carried a supply hose more than 200 feet to establish a solid water supply. 

A family of four, including one child, has been displaced as a result of the fire. No injuries were reported. The total value of the damage sustained to the house and its contents is estimated to be $200,000. CVFC says the family is being assisted by the American Red Cross, as well as friends and family.

The fire was discovered by an occupant who managed to safely escape the residence with her mother. Smoke alarms were present on the property, but failed to activate.

The blaze originated on the exterior rear deck, before extending into the interior of the dwelling, causing significant damage throughout the structure. At this time, a preliminary cause has not been determined. Anyone with information regarding this fire is asked to contact the authorities at 410-819-3500.