Wilmington – At 4:20 p.m. on March 5, 2017, Wilmington Firefighters on the B-Platoon were dispatched to 44 E. 22nd Street for a reported structure fire, according to Wilmington Fire Department Public Information Officer, Deputy Chief James Jobes.
Jobes said that the first arriving companies reported heavy fire showing from a vacant dwelling. Fire crews began an aggressive attack of the primary fire building, but crews encountered a fast-moving fire that quickly engulfed 5 adjacent properties. Incident commander Thomas Cunningham at one point due to deteriorating conditions ordered a defensive attack, said Jobes.
The fire was placed under control 6:55 p.m. by the incident commander Battalion Chief Thomas Cunningham. Crews remained on scene at this time extinguishing hot spots.
Wilmington License and Inspection was on scene and immediately condemned all 5 properties affected due to fire, smoke, and unsafe conditions. Red Cross was on scene assisting 12 displaced residents.
License and Inspection and the Wilmington Fire Marshal’s office will continue their investigation on Monday morning, said Jobes.
Delmarva Power was on scene and secured the gas and electric, streets in the immediate area were closed late into the evening.
Approximately 45 Fire and EMS personnel responded to this incident. No civilian or fire department injuries were reported.