Newark – Just before 1:00 this morning firefighters from Aetna, Hose, Hook, and Ladder, along with crews from the Christiana, Cranston Heights, Mill Creek, and Five Points Fire Companies were dispatched to the unit block of Park Drive for a house fire.
While en route crews learned that the fire was reportedly in a second-floor bedroom and that a disabled man was trapped in the basement, unable to get out.
Upon their arrival, Aetna firefighters reported back to dispatch that smoke was showing from the home. Newark Police, also on scene, along with Aetna Firefighters quickly entered the home, located the man and pulled him to safety, according to officials.
Shortly thereafter reports that the victim had been removed from the home came across the radio. “The victim is out of the basement”, reported one firefighter.
Crews were able to knock the fire down within minutes of their arrival, containing the fire damage the bedroom.
New Castle County Paramedics, also dispatched to scene, evaluated the victim, a 67-year-old man, and determined that he had suffered from smoke inhalation. He later declined transport to the hospital, according to Paramedic First Class Yvonne Russell.
Two other occupants of the home were safely removed without injury. Numerous animals were also rescued from inside the home.
Officials with the Red Cross were called to assist the victims displaced by the fire.
The Delaware State Fire Marshal Office is investigating the fire.
