Officials are investigating a two-alarm fire that occurred at the Wilmington Wastewater Treatment Plant Tuesday, morning.
The Wilmington Fire Department responded at approximately 4:30 a.m. on February 17, 2026, after receiving reports of a structure fire at the plant, located at 475 Hay Road. Battalion Chief Laurence Hinds arrived to find smoke pushing from the roof area and fire visible inside the building.
Fire crews initially advanced into the structure, where they encountered heavy fire conditions involving an industrial dryer and associated equipment used to process solids from incoming wastewater and dry it for disposal. During suppression efforts, an explosion involving the equipment occurred, prompting an immediate evacuation of all personnel from the building.
Command transitioned to defensive operations, with firefighters attacking the blaze from the exterior. As conditions intensified, a second alarm was transmitted, bringing additional city companies and mutual aid partners from New Castle County to the scene.
After the bulk of the fire was knocked down, crews re-entered the building to get a handle on the fire. The incident was placed under control in approximately 90 minutes. The structure sustained extensive fire damage.
Approximately 75 fire and EMS personnel operated on scene. No injuries were reported among plant employees or firefighters. Officials said there is no danger to the public and no air or water contamination resulting from the incident. Firefighters remained at the facility extinguishing hot spots and mitigating additional hazards.
