Earlier today at 11:33 Wilmington Firefighters on the C platoon were alerted to a residential structure fire with persons trapped, according to Battalion Chief John Looney.
Looney said upon arrival of fire department units, crews found fire showing from the first floor of a two-story semi-detached residence. The initial Incident Commander, Battalion Chief Timothy Perkins on arrival requested an additional engine and ladder company for assistance.
Crews immediately stretched hose lines and began an aggressive interior fire attack. Simultaneously crews search all levels of the residence and quickly located one female victim on the second floor. The victim was quickly removed by firefighters and emergency medical care was initiated once outside by St. Francis EMS and New Castle County Paramedics. The female victim was transported to Christiana Hospital with CPR in progress. Two additional victims from the residence were located outside suffering from smoke inhalation. A firefighter suffered a back injury while battling the fire. He was transported to St. Francis Hospital for examination and treatment.
One resident has unfortunately succumbed to their injuries, said Looney. At this time no further information is available on the victims, pending family notifications.
The incident was placed under control by Chief of Fire Michael Donohue at approximately 12:35. The Wilmington Fire Marshal’s office is on scene conducting an origin and cause investigation.
