At approximately 9:52 AM, Wilmington Firefighters on the A platoon were alerted to a residential structure fire reported with one occupant trapped inside.
Upon the arrival of fire department units, crews found heavy fire showing from the second floor of a two-story middle of the row dwelling. Crews immediately stretched hose lines and began an aggressive interior fire attack. Simultaneously, additional crews searched all levels of the dwelling and located a victim. Due to heavy fire conditions, a female victim found by firefighters was pronounced on scene.
Prior to the fire department’s arrival, a male employee of the property management company overseeing the residence attempted to affect a rescue of the trapped victim. Due to the extreme heat and smoke, the employee was unable to reach the victim.
The male employee was treated for smoke inhalation on scene by St. Francis EMS and New Castle County Paramedics. He is currently listed in serious condition at Christiana Hospital.
The scene was placed under control at 11:08 AM by Incident Commander, Fire Chief Michael Donohue.
The adjacent dwelling sustained smoke damage and minor fire damage. There were no firefighter injury reports. The American Red Cross was contacted to assist with all of the displaced residents providing food and shelter.
The Wilmington Fire Marshal’s Office along with Delaware State Fire Marshal’s and ATF are currently on scene conducting origin and cause investigation. As updates become available on the identity of the victim and cause of the fire they will be released.
Approximately 30 fire and EMS personnel responded to the fire. The following units responded: Engine 6, Engine 5, Engine 1, Squad 4, Ladder 2, Ladder 1, Battalion-1, Battalion-2, F-1, Deputy 2, Deputy 3, Deputy 4, Deputy 5, F9, St. Francis EMS, New Castle County Paramedics, Wilmington Licenses and Inspections, Delmarva Power, and Wilmington Police.
