JACKTOWN — A local family’s home was destroyed by fire in the early hours of Monday morning. A report from Kevin Carr of Cambridge Rescue Fire Company (RFC) said at 12:35 a.m., Dorchester Central dispatched units for a “working structure fire.”

The home at 2915 Pungy Path was occupied by Jon Nicholls, Kelsey Gross and their 3-month-old daughter. Neighbors who lived nearby rushed to warn the family and help them escape the home.

Units arrived on location to find fire through the roof and requested a second alarm assignment, adding additional units and firefighters to the incident. “The fire was knocked (extinguished) using multiple attack lines (hoses) from the first arriving engine (Engine 1-3),” Mr. Carr’s report said.

Approximately 900 feet of five-inch supply line hose was used and at least one attack line hose from Rescue Engine 1-1 on side charlie, or the rear.

“While no firefighter was transported to the hospital, multiple firefighters fell through the floor,” the report said. Dorchester County Emergency Medical Services transported one resident from the scene to Dorchester General Hospital.

Salvage and overhaul was complete and all units cleared the scene without incident. The fire remains under investigation via the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Efforts are underway to help the family get back on their feet. Mr. Nicholls’ sister, Amanda Krow, is seeking help for the victims.

“Everything in their home was destroyed, even their vehicles,” Ms. Krow posted online. “I am asking that if you have anything at all which could be helpful for them, whether that is baby clothes, diapers, wipes etc., or donations of housewares, clothing and other resources for Jon and Kelsey, it would be so appreciated.”

Ms. Krow said Baby Kacie wears sizes 0-3 months, Kelsey wears small or medium, shoe size 6, and Mr. Nicholls is XL in shirts, 32/32 pants and shoe size 11.

She can be reached by Messenger on her Facebook page.

“Also, if you find time today, please send a prayer that God will provide for all their needs, and in a special way, send gratitude because they were safe from harm amidst this tragedy. Thank you all,” Ms. Krow wrote.

A gofundme page has been started, “Jon Nicholls’ Fire Recovery Fund.” Doors responded with thousands of dollars within a day.

News of the emergency and its response generated replies on social media.
“I am always amazed what these volunteers do,” Jinx Banks wrote. “That many people awakened and rushing out to aid an unknown person! Many blessings on all of them!”

Jo Alice Mospan wrote, “Thanks for the wonderful and remarkable work by our firefighters.”

RFC units that responded were Chief 1, Engine 1-3, Tower 1, Rescue Engine 1-1, Engine 1-2. Mutual aid was provided by DCEMS PM100, PM101, PM600, Station 61 (Linkwood-Salem), Station 21 (East New Market), Station 16 (Secretary), Station 6 (Hurlock), Station 46 (Church Creek), MSP, DSO, Talbot Station 30 (Trappe) and Maryland State Fire Marshal.

Photos were taken at the scene by Lt. Tyler White, and Firefighters Hubert Meekins and Brandon “Blister” Stacey. More photos are posted on RFC’s Facebook page.