Newark – At approximately 6:15 Tuesday night firefighters from across New Castle County responded to 200 Academy Street for reports that the UD Plant Operations Building was on fire.
Initial reports from the University of Delaware Police alerted dispatch that smoke was coming from the second story of the building. Aetna Hose, Hook, and Ladder’s Engine 9 arriving first on scene reported smoke showing from the roof of the of the building.
As crews worked to locate the source of the smoke they reported that fire was in the attic. Command then struck a second alarm and ordered crews to open the roof.
Just before 7:30 rews reported that they were having a hard time locating the source of the fire and asked for two additional companies to respond to the scene.
Crews continued to open the walls and ceiling, working to get to the fire. Approximately 15 minutes later Command reported that most of the fire had been knocked down and that crews were working to stamp out hot spots.
Crews were not only battling the fire they were also battling below freezing temperatures. It was so cold that crews from the City of Newark had to be called to the scene to lay salt on Acadamy Street. The road had frozen over due to all of the water flowing from the fire hoses.
As crews were working to wrap things up, reports from the scene indicated that New Castle County Paramedics were evaluating one firefighter for undetermined injuries. Later reports indicated that the firefighter was transported to Christiana Hospital with what are believed to be non-life threatening injuries. Authorities have not released which department the firefighter is with or the nature of the injuries.
First reponders from Aetna Hose, Hook, and Ladder, Christiana, Cranston Heights, Delaware City, Elsmere, Five Points, Hockessin, Mill Creek, Belvedere,Volunteer Hose of Middletown and West Grove fire companies, along with crews from the University of Delaware Police, Newark Police, Area Fire Police, UD Public Safety, St. Francis EMS, New Castle County Emergency Medical Services and Deputies with the Delaware State Fire Marshals Office worked for approximately three hours to bring the scene under control.
We’re expecting authorities to release more information later this morning.
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