Fire Rips Through Historic Church In Dover, Collapse Injures Three Firefighters

Fire at a historic church in Dover sends three firefighters to the hospital overnight.

Ay 1:00 this morning Monday, December 31, 2018, firefighters with the Cheswold Volunteer Fire Company were dispatched to a building fire at 5083 West Denneys Road. Firefighters from the Dover Fire department, Leipsic Volunteer Fire Company, and Kent County Medics were also dispatched to assist.

Upon their arrival, crews found the one-story Little Union Church with heavy fire showing from several windows. Command ordered the railroad tracks near the building shutdown to allow access to the closest hydrant across the tracks.

As crews were extinguishing the fire, one of the side walls collapsed resulting in a mayday call. Command immediately ordered the building evacuated and began an accountability check. Within minutes all firefighters were accounted for. Three firefighters were transported to a local hospital and were treated and released with minor injuries.

The Little Union Church that sits adjacent to the Fork Branch Cemetery is all that is left of the historic village of Fork Branch. Interred in the cemetery are direct descendants of the Lenape Indian Tribe.

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