TOWN OF ST MICHAELS LOSE A WATER TREATMENT PLANT DUE TO OVERNIGHT FIRE

Talbot County, MD - On Sunday, December 3, 2023 at approximately 11:23 PM, firefighters were dispatched to the Town of St. Michaels Waste Water Treatment Facility on E. Marengo Street in St. Michaels, Talbot County, Maryland, for a structure fire. 

The fire was initially called in by a local firefighter that lives about a block away. 

It took 31 firefighters from St. Michaels Fire Dept (Station 40), Easton Vol. Fire Dept. (Station 60), Tilghman Vol. Fire Co. (Station 70) and Paramedic 94 1 hour and 27 minutes to get the fire under control. 

Additionally, the State Fire Marshal's Office was called in to investigate and the Maryland Department of Environment was called to assist due to the presence of treatment chemicals involved. 

According to fire officials, there is no health concerns or environmental issues as a result of this fire. 

They are stating that the water supply was not impacted by this fire however the town will now be without this water source for the foreseeable future. 

This should not be a major issue as there is less water usage in the winter season, however they are asking citizens to try to conserve water wherever possible until the well and plant are back in service. 

As a result of the fire, investigators estimate that the Town of St. Michaels suffered a loss of $200,000 in structural damage and another $150,000 in loss of contents. 

The cause of this fire is still under investigation. If anyone has information regarding this fire, please contact the Upper Eastern Regional Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal at 410-822-7609.