U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

Major Propane Gas 

Explosion and Fire

Perryville, Maryland

USFA-TR-053/July 1991

U.S. Fire Administration Fire Investigations Program

T

he U.S. Fire Administration develops reports on selected major fires throughout the country. 

The fires usually involve multiple deaths or a large loss of property. But the primary criterion 

for deciding to do a report is whether it will result in significant “lessons learned.” In some 

cases these lessons bring to light new knowledge about fire--the effect of building construction or 

contents, human behavior in fire, etc. In other cases, the lessons are not new but are serious enough 

to highlight once again, with yet another fire tragedy report. In some cases, special reports are developed to discuss events, drills, or new technologies which are of interest to the fire service.

The reports are sent to fire magazines and are distributed at National and Regional fire meetings. The 

International Association of Fire Chiefs assists the USFA in disseminating the findings throughout the 

fire service. On a continuing basis the reports are available on request from the USFA; announcements of their availability are published widely in fire journals and newsletters.

This body of work provides detailed information on the nature of the fire problem for policymakers 

who must decide on allocations of resources between fire and other pressing problems, and within 

the fire service to improve codes and code enforcement, training, public fire education, building 

technology, and other related areas.

The Fire Administration, which has no regulatory authority, sends an experienced fire investigator 

into a community after a major incident only after having conferred with the local fire authorities 

to insure that the assistance and presence of the USFA would be supportive and would in no way 

interfere with any review of the incident they are themselves conducting. The intent is not to arrive 

during the event or even immediately after, but rather after the dust settles, so that a complete and 

objective review of all the important aspects of the incident can be made. Local authorities review 

the USFA’s report while it is in draft. The USFA investigator or team is available to local authorities 

should they wish to request technical assistance for their own investigation.

This report and its recommendations were developed by USFA staff and by TriData Corporation, 

Arlington, Virginia, its staff and consultants, who are under contract to assist the Fire Administration 

in carrying out the Fire Reports Program.

The U.S. Fire Administration greatly appreciates the cooperation received from Assistant Chief Fire 

Marshal Allen Ward, Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Assistant Chief Charles Gardner and 

Assistant Chief Norman Bannon, both of the Perryville, Maryland Fire Department. 

For additional copies of this report write to the U.S. Fire Administration, 16825 South Seton Avenue, 

Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727. The report is available on the Administration’s Web site at http://

www.usfa.dhs.gov/

Major Propane Gas

Explosion and Fire

Perryville, Maryland

Investigated by: Randolph E. Kirby

This is Report 053 of the Major Fires Investigation Project conducted

by TriData Corporation under contract EMW-90-C-3338 to the United

States Fire Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Department of Homeland Security

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Data Center

U.S. Fire Administration

Mission Statement

As an entity of the Department of Homeland 

Security, the mission of the USFA is to reduce life and economic losses due to fire 

and related emergencies, through leadership, advocacy, coordination, and support. 

We serve the Nation independently, in coordination with other Federal agencies, 

and in partnership with fire protection and 

emergency service communities. With a 

commitment to excellence, we provide public education, training, technology, and data 

initiatives.

TAblE oF ConTEnTS

OVERVIEW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

SUMMARY OF KEY ISSUES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

BUILDING STRUCTURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

CODES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

FIRE DEPARTMENT UNITS INVOLVED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

ORIGIN AND SPREAD OF FIRE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

THE FIRE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

FATALITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

INJURIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

EVACUATION OF RESIDENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

BUILDING DAMAGE ASSESSMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

LESSONS LEARNED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Appendix A: Diagram of Building Locations, Area of Origin of Explosion and 

Location of Fatality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Appendix B: Vicinity Map and Diagram of Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Appendix C: Equipment Used at Fire and Agencies and Jurisdictions Involved. . . . . . . . . . . 12

Appendix D: Fire Scene Diagram Showing Units’ Positions at Fire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Appendix E: Fire Department Run Sheet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Appendix F: Cecil County Emergency Operations Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Appendix G: Photographs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

1

Major Propane Gas Explosion and Fire

Perryville, Maryland

July 1991

Local Contacts: Allen Ward, Assistant Chief Fire Marshal

Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office

2 South Bond Street

Bel Air, Maryland 21014

(301) 836-4844

Charles Gardner, Assistant Chief

Perryville Fire Department

P.O. Box 211

Perryville, Maryland 21903

(301) 398-2222

Norman Bannon, Assistant Chief

Perryville Fire Department

P.O. Box 211

Perryville, Maryland 21903

(301) 642-1034

O

On July 6, 1991 at 0850 an explosion and fire were reported at the 300 block of Broad Street in 

the town of Perryville, Maryland. This block contained a church, bank, sandwich shop, retirement 

home, three 2-story apartment buildings, and eight 2-story houses. (See Appendix A for diagram of 

building locations and the chart on the following page for key issues of the incident.)

The first arriving firefighting unit discovered that the front of some buildings on the north side of 

the street had been demolished as a result of a propane gas explosion. Building debris had been 

propelled through numerous nearby structures and filled streets over a 2-block square area with 

various building components. Blast concussion had blown out windows and doors, and parts of 

roofs and chimneys in several nearby houses and retail shops. Several people, seemingly dazed and 

panic-stricken, were wandering along Broad Street.
2 U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

SUMMARY oF KEY ISSUES

Issues Comments

Cause Leaking propane gas in the sandwich shop ignited and caused a tremendous explosion and fire. 

Source of ignition is unknown and is under investigation.

Detection and Reporting Approximately 15 calls to the 9-1-1 center were received in a two minute period. Various residents of the block have stated that they detected the propane odor the day before the explosion 

but did not report it to the authorities.

Building Structures Most were 2-story frame; some bricking frame. Four were predominantly of masonry construction and were the only structures that reasonably withstood the blast concussion. Most of the 

frame structures were 60 to 75 years old.

City Water System Generally good water supply; however, power was accidentally interrupted to city pumping facility 

which made a continuing reliable supply questionable. Drafting operations began.

Incident Command Excellent size-up and strong leadership by Perryville Assistant Chiefs minimized further casualties and building damage.

Firefighting Collapsed buildings made search, rescue, and fire extinguishment difficult. Blast damage to 

surrounding buildings made them vulnerable to fire exposure.

Resident Profile The area was described as low-income. Many residents were senior citizens; some were 

furloughed hospital patients who required minimal supervision.

Citizen Panic Dazed and panic-stricken residents wandered about the scene presenting problems for firefighting personnel.

Local Disaster Plan Cecil County Emergency Management Officer took immediate and decisive action – assembling 

all necessary resources to care for large numbers of displaced residents, i.e., housing, clothing, 

food.

Weather Conditions Extremely hot and humid conditions required frequent staffing rotation, hampering the overall 

search and rescue effort.

Second and third alarms were sounded immediately for assistance in the rescue, evacuation, and 

firefighting efforts. Approximately 100 people from 45 families were affected and had to be evacuated and housed.

The explosion and fire claimed the life of one resident and injured 16 others. In addition, 16 fire service personnel were injured. Overall, 386 fire, rescue, and police personnel from 26 fire companies 

located in a three State area were used to bring the scene under control, officially declared at 1606. 

Initial estimates put property loss at 10 million dollars. 

B

A description of buildings located in the 300 block of Broad Street (Appendix B) that were damaged 

or destroyed in the explosion/fire is as follows:

•	 Two-story stone church, approximately 130 years old.

•	 Two-story stone church hall, approximately 130 years old.

•	 Two-story masonry retirement home containing 20 units, approximately 12 years old.

•	 One-story masonry bank building, approximately 20 years old.
USFA-TR-053/July 1991 3

•	 One-story frame-front sandwich shop with brick walls, age unknown.

•	 Two-story frame and masonry apartment building with two retail shops on the first floor and

two apartment units on the second floor, approximately 60-70 years old.

•	 Two-story frame apartment building with five units – two on the first floor and three on the

second floor – approximately 60-70 years old.

•	 Two-story frame apartment building with 17 units, approximately 60-70 years old.

•	 Eight 2-story frame houses, approximately 60-70 years old.

CoDES

The town of Perryville utilizes the 1990 edition of the Building Officials and Code Administrators 

(BOCA) building code, as well as the Life Safety Code, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 

101. The buildings that contributed to the explosion and fire were built long before the adoption 

of the building code. Therefore, they do not fall within the purview of existing requirements. Little 

or no routine fire safety inspections are conducted unless there has been a change in building use, 

which would subject the structure to existing code requirements.

In the case of the building which houses the sandwich shop where the explosion and fire started, 

there apparently were no fire prevention inspections in recent years. There is no evidence to suggest that the lack of inspections in this facility contributed to this incident, i.e., there was no trouble 

with exits and the apartments did have smoke detectors. Existing structures which are not covered 

when a code is adopted continually pose fire safety concerns, and the lack of code elements or other 

ordinances to address these concerns is an ongoing National problem.

It is difficult to determine if inspection in this particular case would have made a difference. The 

exact location and cause of the propane leak could not be determined. It is an accepted fact, 

however, that regularly scheduled fire safety inspections do identify hazardous situations that 

ordinarily are overlooked.

FIRE DEPARTMEnT UnITS InVolVED

The town of Perryville has one fire station, operated by approximately 50 volunteer members. 

The town is located in Cecil County, which has an additional eight volunteer companies located 

in Chesapeake City, Charles Town, Cecilton, Elkton, Hack’s Point, North East, Rising Sun and Port 

Deposit, and one paid company located at the Perry Point Veterans Hospital. All were used in fighting 

the fire or for search and rescue or body recovery.

The immediate fire suppression activities were conducted by Perryville, Perry Point, and other Cecil 

County and Harford County fire companies. Other jurisdictions were involved for staffing needs and 

station fill-ins.

This incident required additional companies from surrounding counties and adjoining States. See 

Appendix C for the agencies and jurisdictions involved.

O

Explosion and fire are believed to have started in a one-story sandwich shop located in the middle of 

the 300 block of Broad Street. Propane gas was used for its cooking equipment as natural gas is not 
4 U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

available. The two tanks were located in the rear of the building. There is information that residents 

of the area detected the odor of propane gas as much as 12 hours prior to the actual explosion, but 

did not report it to the proper authorities.

When the gas was ignited from a source, unknown at the time this report was prepared, the subsequent blast completely destroyed the sandwich shop building and partially collapsed the 2-story 

apartment buildings located on its east and west sides. Blast concussion propelled heavy roof timbers 

and other building materials through roofs and sides of nearby buildings. In addition, it blew out 

windows and doors and caused heavy damage to surrounding buildings.

A subsequent fire developed in the area of the sandwich shop which quickly spread through collapsed material and threatened adjoining buildings. Because the fire was being fed by propane gas 

and lumber from collapsed buildings and was covered with tons of debris, extinguishment and 

containment were difficult. Firefighting units were able to overcome the obstacles confronting them 

and successfully contained the fire from spreading in approximately 50 minutes after arrival.

THE FIRE

On Saturday, July 6, 1991, at 0850 an alarm of fire was received for the 300 block of Broad Street in 

the town of Perryville, Maryland. At 0853 equipment was dispatched. Perryville’s Second Assistant 

Chief was the first to arrive on the scene at approximately 0854. He immediately reported that a 

large explosion had occurred and that debris was scattered over an area covering several blocks. 

Several people who seemed to be in a state of confusion and panic were wandering around aimlessly 

in the general area. At this time, a moderate fire was observed and appeared to be located in the collapsed portion of a 2-story structure located on the north side of Broad Street. Smoke could be seen 

coming from some of the structures still standing which were believed to be occupied.

The first fire apparatus to arrive on the scene at approximately 0855 was Perry Point’s Unit 1111 

with a captain, a lieutenant, and three firefighters. The lieutenant of this unit is also the First Assistant 

Chief of the Perryville Fire Department. Upon their arrival, the second assistant chief directed the 

unit to lay two 3-inch supply lines from a hydrant located at Front and Broad Streets to the front 

of the retirement home on Broad Street. Two 1-3/4-inch handlines were put in service – one was

advanced to the doorway of the dry cleaner’s and the other to an apartment entrance located on the 

second floor of the dry cleaner’s building believed to be occupied. (For fireground diagram see

Appendix D.)

The Second Assistant Chief of Perryville, assuming the role of fireground commander, established a 

command post on Broad Street in the general area of collapsed buildings. After observing existing 

conditions, he determined that more personnel and equipment would be needed. He immediately 

requested four medical units and a truck unit in addition to the normal equipment for this box zone.

At 0856, Engine 612 from Perryville arrived, with five firefighters, and was directed to connect to 

the hydrant in front of the church located at Broad and Susquehanna Streets. One 1-3/4-inch handline was deployed between the partially collapsed and now burning apartment building and the 

church for the purpose of protecting the west wall of the church building. Two firefighters were sent 

to the retirement home on Broad Street to assist with rescue and evacuation.

At approximately 0857, Perryville Engine 611 and 613, with six firefighters each, and Medic Unit 

691, with two firefighters, arrived. Engine 611 was directed to lay a 5-inch supply line from 

the hydrant located at Elm Street and Susquehanna Avenue to the rear parking lot behind the col-
USFA-TR-053/July 1991 5

lapsed and now burning structures. Engine 613 pumped the hydrant at Elm Street and Susquehanna 

Avenue. Firefighters from this unit observed a Maryland State Police Officer rescuing two occupants 

from the second story roof of this building. Shortly after the rescue, the building completely collapsed. Engine 611 placed a deck nozzle and two handlines into service to protect the church’s main 

building and the church hall in the rear. The handlines were used for direct application on the fire 

and exposures.

Medic Unit 691 was designated as Emergency Management Services (EMS) Coordinator and established a triage site on the south side of Broad Street across from the church. At this time, Medic Unit 

692 arrived, with two people, and was positioned between the bank and the retirement home to 

assist residents in evacuating. At about this time, the fire began to increase rapidly.

The Incident Commander requested a second alarm. An additional three engines, one truck, and 

four medic units were dispatched. Truck 531, with 10 firefighters, arrived from Havre de Grace and 

was positioned on Broad Street in front of the church. The firefighters were directed to place ladder 

pipes in service, one on the fire in the vicinity of the sandwich shop and the other stream between 

the apartment building and the south side of the church for exposure protection. In addition, this 

unit put into service one 3-inch handline and two 1-3/4-inch handlines, all of which were used to 

protect the main church structure.

During this period, a noticeable drop in city water pressure was experienced as the city hydrants 

were not gravity-feed only. This drop in pressure was a result of the power company cutting power 

in the area and inadvertently cutting power to the city’s pumping facility.

The Incident Commander, fully aware that the area of involvement was most likely much greater 

than could be seen from his vantage point, along with his concern that there could be large numbers of people trapped in debris in the sandwich shop, dry cleaners, and apartment buildings, knew 

additional staffing would be needed for search and rescue operations. At 0904 a third alarm was 

requested. Four engine companies, one rescue unit, and one air unit were dispatched. The Incident 

Commander established two equipment staging areas – one in the church parking lot on Susquehanna

Avenue and the second at Aiken and Broad Streets, some four blocks away. The selection of these 

locations was based on his concern for vehicle access to the fire scene because of debris from the 

explosion scattered on the streets.

Engines 512 and 511 from Charles Town arrived on the scene and were positioned at Front and 

Broad Streets to cover the front and rear of a boarding house. Engine 713 from Port Deposit arrived 

and was positioned in the rear of the bank building to assist in search and rescue operations.

Because city water pressure had not been established beyond gravity-feed, the Incident Commander, 

as a precautionary measure, made a decision to lay two 5-inch supply lines from the scene to the 

Susquehanna River, approximately 1,500 feet away, to ensure a continuous water supply. Harford 

County’s Engine 513 was positioned at the river and pumped to Harford County’s Engine 514 in 

relay. Harford County’s Engine 216 pumped from the river to Perry Point’s Engine 1111 in relay.

Truck Company 461 arrived from North East and was deployed on the west side of the retirement 

home to protect building exposure. Truck Company 231 from Aberdeen arrived and was positioned 

on Susquehanna Avenue to protect the church roof.

The temperature was 97 degrees Fahrenheit with heavy humidity. The adverse weather conditions 

began taking their toll on personnel. The fire, at this point, was well-contained, but the need for 
6 U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

search and rescue in the debris remained. At 0947, a fourth alarm was sounded. Additional companies were dispatched to the staging areas and were used primarily for staffing rotation and station 

fill-in.

Search and rescue continued, and, at this point, was increased as no casualties were being found. 

Weather conditions and the extra heavy work that had to be performed in searching for possible 

victims required personnel rotation every 15-20 minutes, as fire personnel began suffering from 

heat exhaustion, dehydration, and related effects.

The EMS coordinator, recognizing a potentially large triage problem, requested nurses from Perry 

Point’s Veterans Hospital to render assistance. This is in accordance with an understanding between 

all county hospitals and local fire departments to render assistance as needed at emergency scenes.

When nurses from Perry Point arrived at the scene, they assisted at the Medic Triage Site. The injured 

were transported to the Harford Memorial Hospital at Havre de Grace and Union Hospital at Elkton, 

Maryland.

Information was obtained from a man that his wife was trapped in their apartment in one of the 

collapsed buildings. She apparently was trapped under tons of debris and her exact location was 

unknown. Special cadaver search dogs from the Baltimore County fire service were brought to the 

scene. After several hours of strenuous searching by fire and rescue personnel, the exact location was 

pinpointed by the dogs, and her body was recovered.

It was evident that the total operation would be quite lengthy. As a result, fifth and sixth alarms were 

requested to satisfy staffing needs.

The scene was declared under control at 1606. It required the services of 386 fire, police and rescue 

personnel, representing 25 volunteer fire companies and one paid company. This incident claimed 

the life of one person and caused injuries to 16 firefighters and 16 civilians.

FATAlITY

The body of the woman, age 43, was recovered from under the debris of the apartment building on 

the west side of the sandwich shop. It was later learned that she lived in a first floor apartment and,

when the explosion occurred, was trapped in the kitchen area by the collapsing building. She was 

able to communicate her situation to her husband who immediately sought help. Unfortunately, she 

was trapped under tons of building debris, and it required several hours of difficult work to reach 

her. Her body was located at approximately 10:00 p.m. She was pronounced dead on the scene by 

the county medical examiner.

InJURIES

Citizens--Sixteen area residents were treated for cuts and bruises after being struck by flying debris.

Some were treated for mild smoke inhalation. Most injuries were minor. All victims were transported by medic units to the Harford Memorial Hospital in Havre de Grace. Fourteen were treated 

and released that day; two were admitted for observation and released the following morning.

Firefighters--Sixteen fire service personnel were transported to Harford Memorial Hospital and treated 

for cuts, bruises, nail punctures, and heat exhaustion. All injuries were minor and all fire personnel 

were released after a few hours.
USFA-TR-053/July 1991 7

EVACUATIon oF RESIDEnTS

At the time of the explosion and fire, the retail shops were not open for business. A considerable 

number of people residing in apartments in the 300 block of Broad Street were not in their residences. Fifteen retirement residents were in the building and had to be evacuated. These people 

were immediately taken to Perry Point Medical Center located a short distance away, where they 

received food, clothing, and counseling. A couple of residents required treatment for minor cuts and 

bruises from flying debris.

There were three families residing in the apartment building west of the sandwich shop. One couple 

was rescued from the roof by a Maryland State Police Officer. A second couple was able to walk 

out of their bedroom through a collapsed wall. Another person left by the front door. This was the 

building in which the fatality occurred.

Approximately six furloughed patients from the Perry Point Veteran’s Hospital occupied a frame 

dwelling structure located on the south side of Broad Street in the vicinity of the retirement home. 

These residents required no special assistance when they were evacuated from their home, but were 

later provided the food and clothing each required after being taken to a safe area.

Other residents from other structures in the immediate vicinity were able to leave on their own or 

were already outside when the explosion occurred. Several received medical attention for cuts and 

bruises resulting from flying debris.

Other displaced people were taken immediately to a safe area. Those requiring treatment received it 

and were later given food, clothing, and housing.

B

The initial explosion totally destroyed the sandwich shop and partially collapsed the two apartment 

structures on the east and west sides. The subsequent fire destroyed the remaining portions of those 

buildings.

The force of the blast sent building timbers and other debris over a 2-block area, causing moderate 

to heavy damage to surrounding structures. In some cases, the force that these buildings (some as 

far as a block away) were subjected to, moved them off their foundations as much as 12 inches. As 

a result of direct blast damage and as part of the ongoing fire suppression effort, it was necessary to 

knock down portions of the partially collapsed structures for rescue and fire containment.

The structures below are all located in the block where the explosion occurred and damage is as 

follows:

•	 One-story sandwich shop: completely destroyed.

•	 Two-story frame 5-unit apartment building adjacent to east side of sandwich shop: completely destroyed.

•	 Two-story brick and frame building containing retail shops and three apartment units: completely destroyed.

•	 Two-story stone church: west wall subjected to heavy blast damage; windows blown out;

heavy timbers propelled through roof assembly.

•	 Two-story stone church hall: heavy blast damage to north wall, roof, and windows.
8 U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

•	 Two-story brick 20-unit retirement home: heavy damage to west wall, roof assembly, and

windows. This structure was somewhat protected by masonry wall in 2-story apartment 

building located between it and the sandwich shop.

•	 One-story brick bank building: west wall suffered light to moderate damage.

•	 Two-story frame 17-unit apartment building: subjected to blast forces that shifted the entire

structure on foundation; condemned by building officials.

•	 Eight 2-story structures primarily used as dwellings, located on the south side of Broad

Street: suffered heavy blast damage and, in some cases, were shifted on foundation. Four 

were condemned by building officials.

The total damage is estimated at between 10 and 12 million dollars.

EMERGEnCY MAnAGEMEnT

Cecil County has an Emergency Operations Plan in-place. (A complete copy of the January 1990 

edition of Cecil County’s Plan is presented in Appendix F.) As soon as the County Emergency 

Management Coordinator arrived on the scene, she recognized that several jurisdictional boundaries 

would have to be crossed in order to immediately render necessary aid. She did not implement the 

entire plan but used portions that were applicable. She established a command post in the Perryville 

Town Hall and immediately began assembling other county and State resources to deal with large 

numbers of displaced people who would be requiring assistance.

A one-stop procedure to receive housing, clothing, food stamps, and other necessities, was established. This eliminated any conflict between local and State regulations regarding application procedures for food stamps, etc.

Some 45 families, representing approximately 100 people, were in need of some type of immediate 

assistance. All received the necessary care within a matter of hours.

Because of the number of structures destroyed, condemned, or otherwise made uninhabitable, 

Cecil County authorities assembled public works department personnel and equipment for the purpose of moving personal belongings out of these structures into adequate storage facilities, which 

they also provided. The agencies that were involved were: Commissioner’s Office, Licensing and 

Inspection Office, Roads Department, County Building Maintenance Department, Department of 

Aging, House Rehabilitation Department, Public Works, Sheriff’s Office, Purchasing Office, Health 

Department, Social Services, Emergency Medical Services, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to 

Animals, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Veterans Administration, C&P Telephone Company, 

State Director of Emergency Management, and Perryville Town Administration.

L

1. Fireground leadership and a practiced Incident Command System (ICS) can keep a bad 

situation from turning disastrous.

The incident vividly demonstrates strong, competent ground leadership. This is further evidenced by actions of the two Perryville Fire Department Assistant Chiefs. The first assistant chief, 

who is a paid lieutenant with the Perry Point Fire Department through an existing agreement, 

was released from his responsibilities with the Perry Point Unit to assume a fireground com-
USFA-TR-053/July 1991 9

mand position at this scene. This assistant chief became the ground operations commander 

and the second assistant chief remained the Incident Commander. Their excellent size-up of 

the situation and implementation of an effective ICS undoubtedly prevented further injury and 

property damage. The coordination and utilization of large numbers of equipment from adjoining counties, and in this case, adjoining States, are further testimony of the value of a welldesigned and practiced ICS.

2. Effective mutual aid and pre-fire planning are essential in major incidences such as this one.

Most communities, especially those in rural areas, must necessarily depend on interjurisdictional 

support. Mutual aid plans must be well thought out, understood, and practiced by all parties 

concerned. Equipment and firefighting tactics must be compatible between fire companies if 

such aid is to be of value. The system used by Cecil County is a planned box zone procedure 

whereby equipment is automatically dispatched in accordance with the type of alarm situation. 

The agreement that Cecil County has with its neighbors and its implementation in the Perryville 

emergency verify the value of such cooperation.

3. Successful disaster planning addresses citizen distress and immediate needs.

One of the most important needs during a major emergency is the ability to immediately and 

effectively care for citizens who have been adversely affected by the situation. Emergency disaster plans are probably one of the most difficult procedures to implement. The Perryville incident 

is an excellent example of the value of a well-designed and competently administered plan.

Cecil County has a comprehensive emergency operation plan that apparently is reviewed and 

understood by necessary key personnel. Even though this plan was not fully implemented 

because of special immediate needs, it still served as a basis for the implementation of a very 

effective response to a serious situation. For example, displaced persons were collected at Town 

Hall and transported to a nearby motel where they were housed. Elderly residents from the 

retirement home were transported to the Perry Point Veterans Hospital, located two minutes 

away, where they were cared for.

The implementation of a one-stop procedure, such as the one established, maximized interagency cooperation whereby essential services could be delivered to those in need in the shortest possible time.

4. The need for communities to implement effective fire prevention and public education 

programs continues.

Greater public education efforts are needed to raise people’s awareness of the serious threat 

situations such as leaking gas represents. Following the Perryville explosion, the Maryland State 

Fire Marshal’s Public Information Office obtained safety information from the National Propane 

Gas Association regarding hazards of propane gas. A State-wide news campaign was launched 

through television and major newspapers in an effort to alert citizens of the dangers of leaking 

propane gas. Maryland residents were informed about how to obtain safety information from 

the State Fire Marshal’s Office on all types of propane gas appliances. Approximately thirty 

requests were received by this office from across the State regarding a variety of propane fueled 

appliances.
10

APPEnDIx A

Diagram of Building Locations, Area of Origin of 

Explosion and Location of Fatality
11

APPEnDIx b

Vicinity Map and Diagram of Buildings
12

APPEnDIx C

Equipment Used at Fire and 

Agencies and Jurisdictions Involved

Equipment Used at Fire

36 Engines

3 Trucks

2 Rescue Units

1 Utility Unit

1 Air Unit

1 Light Unit

1 Brush Unit (Dogs)

7 Medic Units

6 Ambulances

386 Fire, EMS, and Police Personnel Were Used

Agencies and Jurisdictions Involved

Cecil County Fire and Rescue Service

Harford County Fire and Rescue Service

Perry Point Fire and Rescue Service

Baltimore County Fire and Rescue Service

Kent County Fire and Rescue Service

New Castle County, Delaware Fire Department

Chester, Pennsylvania Fire Department

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Fire Department

York, Pennsylvania (Delta/Cardiff) Fire Department

Cecil County Sheriff’s Department

Veterans Administration Police

Cecil County Civil Defense

Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office

Maryland State Police
13

APPEnDIx D

Fire Scene Diagram Showing Units’ Positions at Fire
14

APPEnDIx E

Fire Department Run Sheet

Note: Missing from Original Technical Report
15

APPEnDIx F

Cecil County Emergency Operations Plan

(January 1990)

Revised January, 1990

CECIL COUNTY

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN

Prepared by:

Cecil County Emergency Management

& Civil Defense Agency

EOP-1
16 U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

Appendix F (continued)

Revised January, 1990

CECIL COUNTY

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN

FOREWARD

Cecil County is confronted with a wide range of natural and

technological hazards which threaten its citizens and government with

personal injury, property destruction, economic hardship, and privation.

To minimize the effects such hazards can impose, the County must be

prepared with plans and procedures for marshalling as many of its own

resources as possible, and to coordinate these resources with those

available elsewhere, in a concerted response to all emergency conditions.

The County Emergency Operations Plan contains procedures,

organizations, and responsibilities which will be involved in the response

and recovery phases of major emergencies and disasters. It is an overall

plan which requires the participation and cooperation of a great number of

groups and individuals.

Familiarization with the plan beforehand will ensure prompt and

effective efforts when a major emergency actually strikes. Task

assignments for organizations are based upon past performances and known

capabilities.

This plan addresses major hazards, but its flexability is sufficient

for combating any type of disaster which should occur.

EOP-3
USFA-TR-053/July 1991 17

Appendix F (continued)

Revised January, 1990

CECIL COUNTY

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN

HOW TO USE THE PLAN

The Basic Plan (Sections I through XI) is intended for the executive

use by elected officials, heads of county departments, and certain private

organizations.

The Annexes to the Basic Plan are for the use of departments,

organizations, and individuals with operations responsibilities. Annexes

are supported as necessary by department or organization Standard

Operating Procedures (SOP's). Each Department and organization named in

the Emergency Operations Plan should have its own plan which includes

SOP's covering its own task assignments.

Appendixes to the annexes of the Basic Plan contain detailed

information of various kinds intended for the response to certain

specified hazards and situations.

EOP-4
18 U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

Appendix F (continued)

Revised January, 1990

I. PURPOSE

II. SITUATION ANS ASSUMPTIONS

A. Situation

B. Assumptions

III. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS

A. Response

B. Recovery

c. Direction and Control

D. Continuity of Government

IV. ORGANIZATION AND ASSIGNMENT OF

A. General

B. Emergency Organization

c. Task Assignments

1) Emergency Management -

CECIL COUNTY

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN

TABLE O F

INTRODUCTION

Promulgation Statement

Foreward

How to Use the Plan

Table of Contents

Distribution List

Record of Changes

v. CONSIDERATION OF SPECIAL NEEDS

CONTENTS

RESPONSIBILITIES

and Civil Defense Agency

2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

8)

9)

10)

11)

12)

13)

Fire and Rescue Communications

Fire Services

EMS Services

Cecil County Sheriff's Department

Maryland State Police

Health Services

Social Services

Board of Education

Red Cross

Public Works Department

Cecil County Assessment Office

Utilities

EOP-1

EOP-2

EOP-3

EOP-4

EOP-5,6

EOP-7

EOP-8

EOP-9

EOP-9

EOP-9

EOP-9

EOP-10

EOP-10

EOP-11

EOP-11,12

EOP-12,13

EOP-13

EOP-13

EOP-13

EOP-14

EOP-14

EOP-14

EOP-14

EOP-15

EOP-15

EOP-16

EOP-16

EOP-17

EOP-17

EOP-17

EOP-17

EOP-18

EOP-18

EOP-19

EOP-5
USFA-TR-053/July 1991 19

Appendix F (continued)

Revised January, 1990

VI.

CECIL COUNTY

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS (con't)

ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS EOP-19

A. Financial Administration EOP-19

B. Reports and Records EOP-20

c. Agreements and Understandings EOP-20

D. Administrative Policies EOP-20

E. Logistics EOP-21

F. Use of County Employees During Emergencies EOP-21

VII. PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE EOP-21,22

VIII. AUTHORITIES AND REFERENCES EOP-22

A. Authority EOP-22

B. References EOP-22

IX. DEFINITIONS AND GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS

A. Abbreviations

B. Definitions

EOP-23

EOP-23

EOP-24-26

x .

XI.

BLOCK DIAGRAM OF CECIL COUNTY GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION TAB 1

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE CALL-DOWN LIST TAB 2

EOP-6
20 U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

Appendix F (continued)

Revised January, 1990

CECIL COUNTY

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN

DISTRIBUTION LIST

Board of County Commissioners

County Administrative Assistant

Emergency Management & Civil Defense

Emergency Communications - "911"

Sheriff

Maryland State Police

Public Works Department

Roads Department

Health Department

Social Services

Board of Education

Red Cross

EOP-7
USFA-TR-053/July 1991 21

Appendix F (continued)

Revised January, 1990

CECIL COUNTY

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

RECORD o f CHANGES

PLAN

CHANGE DATE OF DATE CHANGE CHANGE MADE BY

NUMBER CHANGE ENTERED (SIGNATURE)
22 U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

Appendix F (continued)

Revised January, 1990

I.

II.

CECIL COUNTY

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN

PURPOSE:

BASIC PLAN

A. To identify the roles and responsibilities of County and

local agencies for emergencies or major disasters, either

natural or man-made.

B. To describe the policies and procedures for the response and

recovery phases of all emergency activities.

c . To assign functional responsibilities to County and local

agencies.

SITUATION AND ASSUMPTIONS:

A. Situation

Cecil County is exposed to many hazards, all of which have

the potential for disrupting the community, causing damage,

and creating casualties. Possible natural hazards include

hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, winter storms and even

earthquakes. There is also a threat of a war-related

incident, such as nuclear, bio-chemical or conventional

attack. Other disaster situations could develop from a

hazardous materials accident, major transportation accident,

terrorism or civil disorder.

B. Assumptions

In ordinary emergencies, local response agencies will be

capable of effective action to protect lives and property.

To carry out response actions, mutual aid agreements have

been established. Additional technical and financial

assistance will be sought from the State and Federal

Governments.

EOP-9
USFA-TR-053/July 1991 23

Appendix F (continued)

III.

Revised January, 1990

CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS:

A. Response

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Emergency functions of the various groups involved in

emergency management will generally parallel their

normal daily activities. The same personnel, equipment

and materials will be employed to combat major

disasters. Augmentation of these resources may be

required because of the increased scope and additional

demands.

If necessary, the President of the Cecil County Board of

County Commissioners may declare a Local State of

Emergency implementing the Cecil County Emergency

Operations Plan which will be coordinated by the local

Director of Emergency Management and Civil Defense.

If necessary, the Cecil County Emergency Operations

Center will be activated and response activities

directed from that facility. The Public Information

Officer will prepare news releases and coordinate the

release of information to the media and the public.

If the emergency is of such magnitude that all needs

cannot be met at once, operations shall be directed to

protect the largest number of citizens.

The coordination of a large number of organizations,

public and private, will become of paramount importance.

It may be necessary to suspend routine functions during

an emergency. The efforts which would normally be

required for these functions will be re-directed to the

accomplishment of emergency tasks by the agency

concerned.

Local governments have the primary responsibility for

emergency management activities. When the emergency

exceeds the capability of the local government to

respond adequately, assistance will be requested from

other jurisdictions and also from the State government.

The Federal government will provide assistance to the

State and the local jurisdictions, when appropriate.

Every attempt will be made to utilize available

resources from the private sector and volunteer

organizations when possible and appropriate.

EOP-10
24 U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

Appendix F (continued)

Revised January, 1990

III. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS (con't)

B. Recovery

1.

2.

3.

4.

Recovery involves the restoration of all systems to a

normal status. Immediate actions must be taken to

assess the damages and determine what assistance is

necessary to repair the damage and return vital

life-support systems to at least minimal acceptable

standards. Long-term recovery efforts may continue for

an extended period, even years.

The local government has the primary responsibility for

determining the extent of the damage and the impact of

that damage. Initial damage assessment will be made by

the County's Damage Assessment Teams during the first

daylight period following the disaster and reported as

soon as practical to the Maryland Emergency Management

and Civil Defense Agency.

Local resources will be employed initially to return the

affected areas to normal. When necessary, requests for

further assistance will be forwarded to higher levels of

government only when these local resources are depleted

or become inadequate.

Recovery includes both short-term and long-term

activities. Short-term operations seek to restore

critical services to the community and provide for the

basic needs of its citizens. Long-term recovery focuses

on restoring the community to its normal, or improved

state of affairs. Examples of recovery actions would be

temporary housing, restoration of government services

and reconstruction of damaged areas.

c. Direction and Control

1. The ultimate responsibility for the emergency management

of any disaster rests with the Cecil County Board of

County Commissioners. That body is responsible for all

policy-level decisions which normally will be

implemented through the Administrative Assistant.

EOP-11
USFA-TR-053/July 1991 25

Appendix F (continued)

Revised January, 1990

III. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS (con't)

C. Direction and Control (con't)

2. The Director, Cecil County Emergency Management and

Civil Defense Agency has the responsibility for

coordinating the overall emergency management program.

The Director makes all routine decisions and advises the

Board of County Commissioners on courses of action

available on major decisions. During emergency

operations, the Director is responsible for the proper

functioning of the Emergency Operations Center. The

Director also acts as liaison with other local, state

and Federal agencies as well as private and volunteer

organizations.

3. Specific persons and agencies are responsible for

fulfilling their obligations as presented in the Basic

Plan and individual annexes. Department Heads will

retain control over their respective employees and

equipment. Each agency will be responsible for having

its own standard operating procedures to be followed

during response operations.

4. During some emergency situations, certain agencies may

be required to relocate their center of control to the

EOC. During large scale emergencies, the EOC will, in

fact, become the seat of government for the duration of

the emergency.

D. Continuity Of Government:

1. Succession of Command

a.

b.

C.

The line of succession of the Cecil County Board of

County Commissioners is from the President through the

other members of the Board of Commissioners, in the

order of their seniority.

The line of succession for the Emergency Management and

Civil Defense Director is from the Director to the

County Administrative Assistant.

The line of succession for each county agency or

department will be established in the SOP's developed by

each agency or department.

EOP-12
26 U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

Appendix F (continued)

Revised January, 1990

IV.

D. Continuity of Government (con't)

2. Preservation of Records

The preservation of essential records and documents and the

safeguarding of county resources, facilities and personnel

must be considered key factors in providing for the

continuation of local government processes following

catastrophic disasters or national security emergencies. It

shall be the repsonsibility of each department or agency

head to provide for the safekeeping of important documents

and the safeguarding of such resources, facilities and

personnel.

ORGANIZATION AND ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. General

Many departments within the local government have emergency

functions in addition to their normal duties. Each department is

responsible for developing and maintaining its own emergency

management procedures. Specific responsibilities are outlined

under Section C, "Task Assignments", as well as in individual

annexes. Responsibilities for non-governmental organizations are

also presented.

B. Emergency Organization

Cecil County's emergency organization consists of various

departments within the County Government charged with assigned

responsibilities during emergency situations, departments of

those municipalities which do not have full-scale emergency

management organizations, support services such as fire and

rescue companies, as well as resources available through private

sector organizations which have adopted emergency management

responsibilities.

EOP-13
USFA-TR-053/July 1991 27

Appendix F (continued)

Revised January, 1990

IV. ORGANIZATION AND ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES (con't)

c. Task Assignments

1. Director, Emergency Management & Civil Defense

a. Coordinate all phases of emergency management.

b. Identify and analyze the effects of hazards which

may threaten Cecil County or its citizens.

C. Keep the County Administrative Assistant completely

informed during any emergency situation.

d. Establish and maintain an emergency communications

system and train the personnel to operate the system

in an emergency.

e. Establish and maintain a system to alert key

officials, warn the public and provide public

information to the public in any emergency or

disaster.

2. Fire and Rescue Communications

a. In most instances, receive the initial report of any

emergency either from the National Warning System, a

citizen, or agency within the county.

b. Alert appropriate response personnel.

C. Notify emergency management and county officials as

appropriate and required by department SOP's.

d. Maintain communications with responding fire and

rescue units throughout the incident and notify the

appropriate officials of any significant changes in

the status of the situation.

3. Fire Service

a. Responsible for all fire suppression activities.

b. Provide incident scene command as appropriate.

c. Assist with search, rescue and evacuation activities

as required.

d . Assist with radiological monitoring as required.

EOP-14
28 U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

Appendix F (continued)

IV.

Revised January, 1990

ORGANIZATION AND ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES: (con't)

c. Task Assignments (con't)

4. EMS Services

a.

b.

C.

d.

e.

Provide medical care for the critically ill and

injured as required.

In coordination with the Maryalnd Institute for

Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS),

coordinate the transport of critically ill or

injured patients to local area hospitals and medical

centers or to specialty referral centers operating

within the Maryland EMS system.

Provide incident scene command as appropriate.

Assist with search, rescue and evacuation as

necessary.

Assist with radiological monitoring as required.

5. Cecil County Sheriff's Department

a.

b.

C.

d.

e.

f.

Provide law enforcement requirements, coordinating

with State and municipal police agencies as

required.

Provide traffic control and security in all

emergency areas as required.

Provide for control of restricted areas, protection

of vital installations and security for critical

resources and/or facilities as applicable.

Arrange for mutual police aid from neighboring

jurisdictions as necessary.

Assist with search, rescue and evacuation as

necessary.

Provide damage assessment support as required.

EOP-15
USFA-TR-053/July 1991 29

Appendix F (continued)

Revised January, 1990

IV. ORGANIZATION AND ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES: (con't)

c. Task Assignments (con't)

6. Maryland State Police

a.

b.

C.

d.

e.

Coordinate state law enforcement actions in support

of local law enforcement agencies.

Provide traffic control and security in emergency

areas as applicable.

Provide air evacuation of casualties in support of

the EMS services.

Assist local jurisdictions in search, rescue and

evacuation operations as required.

Provide for control of restricted areas, protection

of vital installations and security for critical

resources and/or facilities as applicable.

7. Health Services

a.

b.

c.

d.

Under the direction of the County Commissioners, the

County Health Officer is responsible for all

emergency health services within the county.

The Health Officer and his/her staff will supervise

all environmental activities to assure the safety of

the population and the protection of the

environment.

The Cecil County Medical Examiner, in conjunction

with the State Medical Examiner, is responsible for

supervising all county morgues and the

identification and interment of the dead.

The Union Hospital of Elkton will coordinate with

the Health Department in directing all emergency

health service activities pertaining to the medical

care and treatment of the population of the county.

EOP-16
30 U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

Appendix F (continued)

IV.

Revised January, 1990

ORGANIZATION AND ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES: (con't)

8.

9.

10.

11.

c. Assist in the damage assessment of public property.

EOP-17

Social Services

a. Establish eligibility criteria for temporary housing

and any other assistance necessary.

b. Delineate procedures for providing assistance and

temporary housing to victims of emergencies or a

major disaster.

c. Provide for the orderly and effective assistance to

State and/or Federal agencies in the event of the

Governor's declaration of an emergency or a

Presidential Declaration.

Board of Education

a. Provide schools and board-operated facilities to be

used as shelters.

b. Assist in providing buses and drivers for emergency

mass transportation as necessary.

Red Cross

a. The Director of the local Red Cross Chapter, in

cooperation with the representatives of the Board of

Education and Social Services Department, man and

equip all shelters necessary for the protection of

citizens.

b. Provide and train shelter officers to man such

shelters in an emergency.

C. Provide meals for both victims and workers in the

disaster area.

Public Works Department

a. Provide for, in conjunction with the Maryland State

Highway Administration, the removal and disposal of

debris from roadways as necessary following a

disaster.

b. Monitor status of, and advise emergency services of

all major road damage and all road closings.
USFA-TR-053/July 1991 31

Appendix F (continued)

Revised January, 1990

IV. ORGANIZATION AND ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES: (con't)

c. Task Assignments (con't)

12.

13.

Cecil County Assesment Office

a. Provide trained personnel for damage assessment

teams.

b. Provide support for Emergency Operations Center

staff as applicable and available.

Utilities

a.

b.

c.

Electric utilities, Conowingo Power Company and

Choptank Electric Cooperative will, as necessary,

provide emergency power in disaster areas, work to

restore normal conditions as quickly as possible and

provide representation to the Emergency Operations

Center as required.

The natural gas distributor, Elkton Gas Service, as

well as LP gas distributors, will respond to any

emergency involving their transmission facilities,

assist in the public education concerning how to

deal with emergency situation involving their

product or equipment, and provide representation to

the Emergency Operations Center as required.

The Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company of

Maryland will provide temporary lines and services

as required to support the Emergency Operations

Center, emergency care facilities, and emergency

service providers, and will provide representation

to the Emergency Operations Center when necessary.

EOP-18
32 U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

Appendix F (continued)

V.

Revised January, 1990

CONSIDERATION OF SPECIAL NEEDS:

A. The Cecil County Emergency Communications "911" Department

has facilities to communicate with the deaf through TTY.

They also keep a roster of a pool of interpreters to

communicate with non-English speaking individuals.

VI.

B. Local Health Department has records of individuals with

special needs, i.e. those incapacitated or those requiring

special breathing apparatus.

C. Fortunately, the major nursing homes in the county are all

well constructed and no evacuation of all of them would be

likely. In the event of an emergency at one of them, the

residents could be evacuated and moved with existing

resources. All institutions have their own emergency

operations plans which provide for such occurrences.

D. There is one prison in the county and, again, it is

substantial and no wholesale evacuation is anticipated.

Existing emergency operations plans at each facility would

apply.

ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS:

A. Financial Administration

1. Expenditures necessitated by emergency will first be

made by the use of funds regularly appropriated to local

agencies. If the President of the Board of County

Commissioners finds these funds are inadequate to cope

with a particular emergency, the County Commissioners

may make contingency funds available, as authorized in

the budget.

2. All agencies participating in response and recovery

operations shall maintain records of time, supplies and

other resources expended in an emergency. The agencies

will forward such records to the Cecil County Emergency

Management and Civil Defense Agency if and when

requested.

3. If any private property is used by the County under an

officially-declared State of Emergency, the owner shall

be compensated for its use and for any damage sustained.

EOP-19
USFA-TR-053/July 1991 33

Revised January, 1990

VI. ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS: (con't)

B. Reports and Records

1.

2.

3.

4.

All required reports will be submitted to appropriate

authorities in accordance with individual annexes.

Records of expenditures and obligations in the event of

an emergency must be maintained by each agency

participating, employing their own bookkeeping

procedures.

All agencies will make reports to the County Emergency

Operations Center by the most practical means, normally

by telephone unless written copies are required.

Generally, financial records and reports shall be

retained for a minimum of three years following audit.

Retention times for certain other records and reports,

if different, will be identified in individual annexes.

c. Agreements and Understandings

1. Should local government resources prove to be inadequate

during an emergency operation, requests will be made for

assistance from other local jurisdictions, higher levels

of government, private sector volunteer organizations,

and other organizations in accordance with existing or

emergency negotiated mutual aid agreements and

understandings.

2. Such assistance may take the form of equipment,

supplies, personnel, or other available capabilities.

All agreements and understanding will be entered into by

duly authorized officials and will be formalized in

writing whenever possible.

D. Administrative Policies

1. All emergency assistance available shall be provided

without regard to race, religion, sex, color, age,

economic status or national origin.

2. All emergency operations will be conducted utilizing all

practical means to protect the environment.

EOP-20

Appendix F (continued)
34 U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

Appendix F (continued)

VI.

Revised January, 1990

ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS: (con't)

VII. PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE:

E. Logistics

1. The County Emergency Management Agency shall develop and

maintain resource information on supplies, equipment,

facilities, and skilled personnel available for

emergency response and recovery.

2. The resource information will indicate the procedure and

contact information necessary to quickly obtain the

resources needed to meet an emergency.

3. If necessary, emergency resources will be allocated by

priority need.

F. Use of County Employees During Emergencies

1.

2.

3.

An appointing authority may assign any employee to

perform related work even though the assigned duties are

not precisely within the scope of the normal employment.

An appointing authority may assign any employee to

perform emergency work at any place in the county and

for periods of time other than the usual employment

time.

Employees assigned to emergency duties shall be

reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses and

shall receive appropriate overtime in accordance with

existing regulations and procedures.

A. Although the primary responsibility for the development of

the County Emergency Operations Plan and the overall

coordination of the implementation of the plan will be

carried out at the local level by the Cecil County Emergency

Management and Civil Defense Agency, many governmental and

public sector agencies have the responsibility for

developing and maintaining their respective segments of the

plan as set forth in the "Organization and Assignment of

Responsibilities" section of this document.

EOP-21
USFA-TR-053/July 1991 35

Appendix F (continued)

Revised January, 1990

VII. PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE: (con't)

B. Revisiona and/or changes to the plan will be made as

necessary by the Director of the Cecil County Emergency

Management and Civil Defense Agency. It is expected that

responsible officials in local agencies or organizations

affected by this plan will suggest or recommend changes at

any time and provide information periodically as to changes

of personnel and available resources.

C. The Director of the Cecil County Emergency Management and

Civil Defense Agency will ensure that an annual review of

this plan is conducted by all officials involved and the

Director will coordinate all review and revision efforts.

D. For training purposes and exercises, the Director of Cecil

County Emergency Management and Civil Defense Agency may

activate this plan as necessary to ensure the readiness of

all agencies covered by the plan and will update the plan

based on any deficiencies identified by the exercises.

E. This plan shall be effective upon approval and promulgation

by the Cecil County Board of Commissioners.

VIII. AUTHORITIES AND REFERENCES:

A. Authority

This plan is developed under the provisions of the following

authority:

1. Article 16A, Maryland Annotated Code, Maryland Emergency

Management and Civil Defense Act.

2. Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950, Public Law #8l-920 as

amended; Disaster Relief Act of 1974, Public Law #93-288

as amended; Emergency Management and Assistance, 44 U.S.

Code 2.1, October 1, 1980.

B. References

1. FEMA CPG l-a/October 1985 Guide for Development of State

and Local Emergency Operations Plans.

2. FEMA CPG 1-5/July 1984 Objectives for Local Emergency

Management.

EOP-22
36 U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

Appendix F (continued)

Revised January, 1990

IX. DEFINITIONS AND GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS:

A. Abbreviations

ARC - American Red Cross

CAP - Civil Air Patrol

CCEMCCDA - Cecil County Emergency Management & Civil Defense

Agency

CP - Command Post

CPG = Civil Preparedness Guide

DSR - Damage Survey Report

EM&CDA - Emergency Management & Civil Defense Agency

EMS- Emergency Medical Services

EOC - Emergency Operations Center

FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency

MEMA - Maryland Emergency Management & Civil Defense

Agency

MIEMSS - Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services

systems

MSP - Maryland State Police

PDA - Preliminary Damage Assessment

SOP - Standard Operating Procedures

TTY - Teletype

EOP-23
USFA-TR-053/July 1991 37

Appendix F (continued)

Revised January, 1990

IX. ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS: (con't)

B. Definitions

Access Control - Restriction of the trespass of

unauthorized persons in zones of exclusion.

Annex - An element of the Emergency Operations Plan

devoted to a component part of emergency operations

describing the jurisdiction's approach to functioning in

that area of activity during emergencies and disasters.

Appendix - An element of the Emergency Operations Plan

attached to an annex to provide information on special

approaches or requirements for responding to the emergencies

anticipated by the jurisdiction.

Basic Plan - The first and major element of the Emergency

Operations Plan which provides an undetailed overview of the

county's approach to emergency management.

Damage Assessment - An appraisal of the nature and extent

of the damage sustained by the county during an emergency or

disaster.

Decontamination - The removal or neutralization of

hazardous chemicals or biological substances from bodies,

clothing and equipment.

Declaration of Emergency - The formal announcement by the

executive head of government that a situation exists which

requires extraordinary effort or procedures to counteract

and overcome. It may apply to an entire jurisdiction or to

any part thereof. It may suspend or modify local law or

procedures to the extent local law permits.

Direction and Control - The use of a centralized

management center, the Emergency Operations Center, to

facilitate policymaking, coordination and control of

operating forces in a large scale emergency situation.

Disaster - Any hurricane, tornado, storm, flood, high

water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, landslide, mudslide,

snow storm, drought, fire, explosion, or other catastrophe

such as riot, civil disturbance, air or nuclear attack which

results in damage to property, hardship, suffering or

possible loss of life.

Emergency - Any disaster which requires emergency

governmental assistance to save lives and protect property,

public health and safety to avert or lessen the threat of a

major disaster.

EOP-24
38 U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

Appendix F (continued)

Revised January, 1990

IX. ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS: (con'tl

B. Definitions (con'tl

Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) - Commercial radio and

television stations and interconnecting facilities which

have been authorized by the Federal Communications

Commission to operate-in a controlled manner during a war,

state of public peril or disaster, or other national

emergency; used to warn the public and inform the citizens

of recommended protective actions.

Emergency Operations Plan - A document which identifies

the available personnel, equipment, facilities, supplies and

other resources in the county and states the method or

scheme for coordinated actions to be taken by individuals

and government services in the event of a natural, man-made

or attack related disaster.

Emergency Operations Center (EOC) - The protected site

from which civil government officials exercise direction and

control during an emergency.

Evacuation - A protective action whereby citizens are

moved from a place of danger to a place of relative safety.

Hazardous Material - A substance which, if released in an

uncontrolled manner, can be harmful to people, animals,

property or the environment.

Mitigation - Any measure taken to prevent or reduce the

probability of an occurrence of a hazard and to avoid or

reduce the adverse impacts of an occurrence.

Mutual Aid Agreement - Agreement between two or more

organizations or jurisdictions to provide reciprocal

assistance to one another in time of emergency.

Presidential Declaration of Disaster - A proclamation by

the President of the United States that a locality has

sustained destruction and privation with which it cannot

cope and for which reason the locality has become eligible

for certain types of federal aid and assistance.

Promulgation Statement - An executive order issued by a

jurisdiction's chief executive officer, which, in the case

of an Emergency Operations Plan, awards legal authority to

the document.

EOP-25
USFA-TR-053/July 1991 39

Appendix F (continued)

Revised January, 1990

IX. ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS: (con't)

B. Definitions (con't)

Protective Actions - Any actions recommended by competent

authority to the population at risk to prevent or reduce the

possibility of injury resulting from the effects of a

hazard.

Reception Center - A site designated by Emergency

Management officials to receive persons displaced by

emergency events and where these persons will obtain

emergency assistance, advice, or instructions.

Recovery - The phase of emergency management activities

during which actions, both short-term and long-term, are

taken to return conditions to normal or to an improved

level.

Response. - The phase of emergency management activities

involving the provision of emergency assistance for

casualties and actions to reduce further damage or expedite

recovery operations.

Search and Rescue - Any actions taken to find, assist, and

remove persons injured or placed at risk by emergency

events.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP'S) - A body of

instructions having the force of a directive, covering those

features of an operation which lend themselves to a definite

or standardized procedure without loss of effectiveness.

State of Emergency - A formal announcement by the

executive head of government that a situation exists which

requires extraordinary effort or procedures to counteract or

overcome. It may suspend or modify local law or procedures

to the extent local law permits. It has the force and effect

of law.

"9-l-1" - A simplified dialing method for obtaining prompt

emergency assistance by telephone and sometimes used to

indicate an emergency communications center. The "9-1-l"

system is now operative in all Maryland jurisdictions.

EOP-26
40 U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

Appendix F (continued)

Revised January, 1990

CECIL COUNTY GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION
USFA-TR-053/July 1991 41

Appendix F (continued)

Revised January, 1991

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE CALL-DOWN LIST

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11 .

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

Verification - (Peach Bottom) .................... l-215-841-5141

Director, E. Rosemary Culley .......................... 398-1620

Assistant Directors: Larry Storke, Fire & CD ......... 398-5735

Frank Mu1ler, Communications .... 392-7813

Health Department ..................................... 398-5160

(a) Dr. Virginia Bailey .............................. 392-3246

(b) William Sumner ............................. 1-215-932-3876

County Commissioners ............................. 398-0200,x100

(a) W. Edwin Cole, Jr. ............................... 390-7655

(b) A. Marie Cleek ................................... 287-6952

(c) Grayson L. Abbott ................................ 658-3223

Maryland State Police ................................. 398-8101

(a) Cpl. Dan Benham .................................. 398-8101

(b) 1st. Sgt. Roger Thibaudeau ....................... 398-8101

Sheriff's Department .................................. 398-3344

(a) Sheriff Kennedy .................................. 658-2642

(b) George Haggerty .................................. 392-0054

Fire Coordinator, Hershel Armour ...................... 287-5616

Terry Deamond ......................................... 287-2939

Board of Education .................................... 398-0400

(a) Jerry Kunkle ..................................... 287-9296

(b) Frank Slaughter .................................. 398-8224

Social Services ....................................... 398-1414

(a) Ellis Scott ...................................... 398-0522

(b) John Koch ........................................ 287-9148

Red Cross ............................................. 390-2470

(a) James Eder ....................................... 398-4137

(b) James Prigel ..: .................................. 275-8406

PIO ................................................... 398-1350

(a) Michael Dixon .................................... 885-5422

(b) Don Herring ...................................... 398-5753

Maintenance ....................................... 398-0208,x152

(a) Tom Dotson ....................................... 658-4338

(b) Earl Bradford .................................... 398-3620

(c) James Mullen ..................................... 392-3772

Public Works .................. .............. 398-0200,x131

(a) Barry Beiford .................................... 398-2614

(b) Ed Walls ......................................... 758-0709

Extension Services ............................... 398-0200,x181

(a) Ted Haas ............................. .. 392-3262

ASCS .................................................. 398-4411

(a) Barbara Clugston ................................. 393-3119

Radiological Officers (RADEF)

(a) Larry Peterson ................................... 642-2432

(b) Herbert Hoover ................................... 642-6835

Rising Sun Mayor, Catherine Lane ...................... 658-6961

Port Deposit Mayor, Erma Keetley ...................... 378-4181

Perryville President, Randolph Fadeley ................ 642-6412

EOP - TAB 2
42

APPEnDIx G

Photographs

Slides and photographs are included with the master report at the USFA. 

A selection of photographs provided by the Perryville Fire Department 

and some taken several days after the fire by Randolph Kirby appear on 

the following pages.
USFA-TR-053/July 1991 43

Appendix G (continued)

Explosion/fire scene during search and rescue operations. Photo shows Broad Street, church in background, and remains of 

apartment building (where fatality occurred) in foreground at left.

Photo by Perryville Fire Department
44 U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

Appendix G (continued)

Photo taken from Broad Street showing destruction of entire sub shop and the apartment building to its east. Southwest 

corner of pet grooming shop and apartment above shown at left.

Photo by Perryville Fire Department
USFA-TR-053/July 1991 45

Appendix G (continued)

Pet grooming/dry cleaning building. Photo taken from Broad Street on day of incident.

Photo by Perryville Fire Department
46 U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

Appendix G (continued)

Area of sub shop and apartment building. Broad Street in foreground.

Photo by Perryville Fire Department
USFA-TR-053/July 1991 47

Appendix G (continued)

Search operations in debris of apartment building. Photo taken from Broad Street.

Photo by Perryville Fire Department
48 U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

Appendix G (continued)

Remains of sub shop and apartment building to its east. Church hall is in background. 

Photo taken several days after the explosion.
USFA-TR-053/July 1991 49

Appendix G (continued)

Photo by Randolph Kirby

Remains of sub shop. Photo taken from Broad Street, several days after incident.
50 U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

Appendix G (continued)

Photo by Randolph Kirby

Rear of sub shop showing damage to building to its west (pet grooming and dry cleaning on first floor, two apartments on 

second). Photo taken several days after the explosion.
USFA-TR-053/July 1991 51

Appendix G (continued)

Remains of sub shop. Photo taken from rear of shop several days after explosion. Damage to houses across Broad Street 

visible in background.
52 U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series

Appendix G (continued)

Photo by Randolph Kirby

Power of the explosion illustrated by this damage to the interior of the lobby 

area of the retirement home two buildings to the west of the sub shop.