Shortly before 4:30, Thursday afternoon Wilmington Firefighters on the D-platoon were alerted to a structure fire at 109 West 26th Street, according to Battalion Chief John M. Looney.
Looney said NCC Emergency Communications Center was receiving several 9-1-1 calls reporting an unknown fire in the area of the 100 block of West 26th Street. Upon the arrival of Squad 4, they gave an updated report of a heavy smoke condition from a 1-1/2 story church and upgraded the incident to a working alarm.
The upgrade brought additional Ladder and Engine company for assistance in attacking the fire. Upon the arrival of Battalion Chief Dennis Kirlin, command was established, and operations moved to a defensive mode (exterior operation only). The fire progressed rapidly and quickly vented through the roof.
The Incident Commander, Battalion Chief Kirlin, placed the scene under control at 8:00 PM. Currently, the fire is under investigation by investigators from the Wilmington Fire Marshal’s Office along with agents from the Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). No civilians were injured however one firefighter was transported to St. Francis ER for minor injury\ies.
Mutual aid from New Castle County Fire companies was rendered to cover the city stations. Until WFD reserve apparatus was placed in service.
