New Castle – Shortly after 7:00, on Friday night, a multi-alarm fire heavily damaged the Dollar Tree store in Beaver Brook Plaza in New Castle.
Upon arrival, firefighters from the Wilmington Manor Fire Company reported smoke showing from the roof of the Dollar Tree store. Shortly after crews began their attack, an urgent message to evacuate the building went out to all firefighters, the fire would now be fought from outside of the building.
As the fire raged, Command asked for all available personnel, so firefighters from across New Castle County responded, As crews on the ground were trying to knock the fire down, additional crews were on the roof searching for the source of the fire. Those crews were later ordered off of the roof.
Crews worked for approximately three and a half hours to bring the massive blaze under control. Command reporting one firefighter transported to the hospital, suffering from a knee injury.
Fire investigators, who arrived on scene shortly after the fire was reported, have worked through the night to investigate the fire. Investigators are searching for the fire’s origin and cause, according to Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms have also responded to the scene.
In addition, to what appears to be a complete loss of the discount store, most of the other shops in the strip mall have suffered smoke and water damage. Many of them remain closed while they work to clean up. The Food Lion at the other end of the mall is open but is operating without its computer system, according to an employee. The computer was apparently damaged when the power was cut off during the blaze.
Last night’s fire was the second fire for the Dollar Tree in the last two month, tenants telling First State Update that the store just reopened five days ago.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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