Betterton, MD - At approximately 5:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 2nd, the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched as mutual aid to the Betterton VFC for the Working Fire Dispatch. The location given was 12899 Still Pond Road, which is just north of Still Pond, in the area of the Still Pond Cemetery.

Chief 5/Dan Menchey (Betterton) arrived first to find an old, abandoned, two-story farmhouse back in the woods, fully-involved with fire. A Tanker Task Force, consisting of four tankers and one engine was requested. The first arriving engine company was instructed to drop a supply line through the cemetery, back towards the house.

The Chestertown VFC provided an Engine, Tower, Rescue and Tanker with a total staffing of 20 personnel. While our tanker participated in the Water Shuttle, our crews assisted with fire attack and overhaul. The house was a total loss, with a portion of the structure completely collapsed in the front corner.

The power company was requested, as was the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office who ruled arson the cause of the fire. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fire Marshal's Office.

Companies on the scene included Betterton VFC, Kennedyville VFC, Galena VFC, Chestertown VFC, Crumpton VFC, Rock Hall VFC and Cecilton VFC (Cecil County). Companies standing by for the Chestertown VFC were Crumpton VFC and Sudlersville VFC.