CHESTERTOWN, Md. — A lightning strike ignited a house fire Monday night in Kent County, causing an estimated $260,000 in damage to a single-family home on Augustine Herman Highway.
The fire was reported at 7:52 p.m. at 10199 Augustine Herman Highway by the homeowner, identified as Matthew Wiltbank. The blaze originated inside the structure and was determined to be caused naturally by a lightning strike, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
No injuries were reported to the homeowner or firefighters, though a pet dog suffered smoke inhalation. The animal was treated at the scene and later transported to a nearby veterinary facility for further care.
The Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company led the response with assistance from a tanker task force. Forty firefighters responded and brought the fire under control in 31 minutes.
The structure was not equipped with smoke alarms or fire suppression systems at the time of the fire, according to investigators.
Damage to the home was estimated at $200,000, with an additional $60,000 in content losses.
A single-alarm response was sufficient to contain the blaze, and no arrests were made in connection with the incident.
