A powerful explosion left a man dead and five others scrambling to escape in Chestertown.
"I saw the column of smoke from about 21 miles away," Chestertown Deputy Fire Chief Brad Russum told Firehouse.com.
As he headed toward the scene, the smoke with a distinct glow became more prominent
Five people who were on the second-floor of the house managed to escape. However, Charles Heaps, 68, the homeowner, and the family dog perished.
Firefighters, who encountered the 5,000-square-foot house fully involved, quickly called for a tanker task force as there are no hydrants in the area. Fire boats were unable to respond due to icy conditions in the river and East Fork Langford Creek.
Due to the amount of fire, Russum said crews launched a defensive operation.
Firefighters used about 100,000 gallons of water during the operation. And, as things were winding down, a water main break occurred nearby.
Propane may have played a factor in the deadly explosion that remains under investigation by the Maryland Fire Marshals Office.
About the Author
Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.