The Dover Police and Fire Departments along with the City of Dover Fire Marshals Office are investigating an early morning fire that occurred at a large, mixed-use building on the corner of Loockerman Street and South New Street. The fire was reported at approximately 2:39 a.m. on Wednesday, March 16th. Multiple agencies responded to assist, including fire departments from the following regions: Dover, Leipsic, Little Creek, Camden-Wyoming, Magnolia, Dover Air Force Base, and Hartly. The fire was declared under control at approximately 7:58 a.m.
At this time, one male victim was found deceased inside of the building, and seven others were transported to a nearby hospital, with the majority being evaluated and treated for minor injuries and/or smoke inhalation.
The cause and origin of the fire have not been determined and remain under investigation.
Additional responding agencies include City of Dover Emergency Management, Kent County EMS, St. Francis EMS, and American Red Cross.
Those affected by the fire should contact the American Red Cross by calling 1-800-733-2767.
Loockerman Street from Queen Street to Governors Avenue is expected to remain closed for several hours, with several surrounding streets also affected by closures and detours.
Breaking Report
Just after 2:30, Wednesday morning Dover area firefighters respond to the intersection of S. New Street and W Loockerman Street in Dover for reports of an apartment fire.
While en route crews learned that Dover Police were on scene and reporting multiple patients and possibly the entrapment of others. First arriving crews reported fire showing from three sides of the building and began a search for additional residents. As crews began their search they simultaneously began an attack on the fire.
As crews were working the fire, medics alerted Kent General Hospital that they would be transporting multiple patients shortly and that a search of the building was underway for additional patients.
As crews worked to bring the fire under control they found one patient that had succumbed during the fire. At least two patients were transported to the hospital.
This is a developing story. We will update this story as more information becomes available.
