News

Working Commercial Structure Fire - 200 Block South Dupont Highway
Sunday, June 3, 2007

At 1653 the Citizens' Hose Company was dispatched for a reported working building fire in the area of S. Main St. & DuPont Blvd, Stanton's Auto Sales. Engine 44-2 under the command of Capt. Isaac J. Hankins responded and found a 100' x 50' commercial building with heavy fire from the rear of the structure. The crew from 44-2 began an exterior attack with two 1 3/4" handlines, and also began protecting an exposure on the D side of the fire building. Ladder 44 placed its ladder pipe in service upon going 10-2, and its crew assisted with fire attack. On its 10-2, 44-3 supplied Ladder 44, and handlines were pulled to the front of the structure. Station 45 was then requested to assist, and responded with Quint 45, Rescue 45, 45-3, and 45-4. Station 45 units were positioned in the front of the building on Rt. 13 and attacked the fire from the front, along with 44-4 and Rescue 44. Due to the extent of the fire, and large fire load, operations were kept to exterior only. Upon his 10-2, 44-15 assumed command, and requested the 10-12, Rescue 53 to the scene from Sta. 44. During the alarm numerous handlines were utilized, Ladder 44 and Quint 45 utilized thier ladder pipes, 44-2 & 44-4 utilized thier deck guns, and a crew from Sta. 45 utilized a portable monitor. 44-15 placed the incident under control with all units working at 1856. Units remained on scene for a couple more hours wetting down hotspots and assisting the fire marshals office with lighting. One firefighter was transported to KGH with minor eye injuries. 44 units were in service for 4 hours, and 32 minutes. OIC was Chief John L. Embert III.

Units responding: 44-2, 44-3, 44-4, Rescue 44, Ladder 44, 44-8, 44-10, Rescue 45, Quint 45, 45-3, 45-4, Rescue 53, A & B 64, Medic 66, DSFMO, DNREC 709, Smyrna PD, DelDot, Town of Smyrna Electric, & public works, and Sta. 26 for the 10-12 to Sta. 44.
Over 100 firefighters from all three companies helped battle the blaze.

The CHC would like to thank all those companies who assisted.