On January 23, 2024, Wilmington Firefighters and rescue crews were dispatched to a structure fire in the 1700 block of W 14th Street in Wilmington, just before 2:10 in the afternoon.
Upon their arrival, responders observed light smoke showing from the roof of the building. However, the situation escalated as additional reports of heavy smoke upon further assessment.
As the firefighting teams made entry into the building, they located an 85-year-old man and quickly moved the individual to the awaiting medics. He was later transported by St. Francis ambulance to Christiana Hospital with life threatening burn injuries.
The crews reported that they had knocked the fire and that they were checking for extension into the walls.
In a simultaneous effort, additional searches were conducted throughout the residence to try and locate any more victims. No further individuals were found in the home.
Animal Control was also requested to the scene to attend to a pet that was reported to be at the location.
As the situation was brought under control, command confirmed that the fire had been contained. Crews remain on scene mopping up hotspots. Initial reports from the scene indicated that the victim was seriously injured.
On Friday morning, February 9, 2024, authorities announced that the elderly gentleman had to come to his injuries in the hospital. Officials have not released the man’s name.