On Sunday, a two-alarm fire significantly damaged an aircraft facility at the New Castle County Airport, located in the 100 block of Churchmans Road. The incident occurred at the Atlantic Aviation facility, a prominent Fixed Base Operator (FBO) on the property. First responders from multiple agencies worked quickly to contain the blaze, which was reported around noon according to DRBA spokesman James Solmon.
According to a statement by the Wilmington Manor Fire Company, crews responded to the fire after receiving reports of a structure fire at the facility. At the time of dispatch, rescue engines from the Wilmington Fire Company and the Delaware Air National Guard Fire Department (DANG) were en route to a separate crash incident nearby but quickly redirected to the fire. Upon arrival, DANG crews encountered flames visible on the roof of a two-story airplane hangar. Wilmington Manor Fire Company secured the water supply and began suppression efforts.
Due to the severity of the fire and the need for extensive truck work and overhaul, the incident commander called for a second alarm. This request brought additional resources to the scene. Crews worked to extinguish the fire and complete cleanup operations, with all units clearing the scene by 3:00.
Salmon said that the fire was concentrated over Atlantic Aviation’s main FBO building. No aircraft were inside the hangar at the time of the fire, but significant water damage affected the building’s lobby and roof area. Salmon credited the quick response of area fire departments with limiting the overall impact of the incident.
In a statement on its website, Atlantic Aviation, reassured its customers that it remains open and operational despite the fire. An FBO provides services such as aircraft fueling, hangar rentals, concierge services, and other airport related services.
No injuries were reported.