On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 8:07 pm, the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company, along with multiple automatic aid companies, was dispatched for the Structure Fire with reported entrapment at 208 High Street – The Kitchen at the Imperial. First arriving Chestertown VFC suppression equipment found a moderate smoke condition on the first floor. The building had been evacuated, except for one resident on an upper floor, who has limited mobility. A quick assessment of this occupant’s situation showed they were in no immediate danger, so they were allowed to remain in their living space.
Crews made a quick search and found there had been a minor fire, electrical in nature, under the bar on the first floor. The fire had burned through a small water line. The ensuing water leak quelled the fire, but not before charging the area with a smoke condition. Crews ensured the fire was completely extinguished and set up smoke fans to clear the building of smoke.
