Wednesday August, 18 2010 @ 04:17:13 Nature: One Engine Standby – Station #82 - Structure Fire Address: 160 New Jersey Ave Lewes, DE 19958 Wednesday August, 18 2010 @ 04:24 Nature: Full Company Assist – Station #82 – Working Structure Fire Address: 160 New Jersey Ave Lewes, DE 19958 Early Wednesday morning, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company was alerted to provide stand-by coverage with one fire engine to Station #82 (Lewes). Shortly thereafter, this incident was upgraded to a full company assist with Lewes Fire Department with a working structure fire. Additional information can be obtained by reviewing the following web pages: (1) Lewes Fire Department http://www.lewesfire.com/gallery.cfm?id=431&ss=1 At 0357 Lewes Fire Department, assisted by mutual aid from Rehoboth Beach, Milton, & Medic 104, were dispatched to a working house fire on Lewes Beach. Deputy Chief Steve Evans arrived on the first Engine 82-5 and took command. He reported heavy smoke from a large 3 story beach house. All occupants safely evacuated the structure. The fire was in the attic space believed to be from a reported lightening strike. The heavy wind and rain from a strong thunderstorm made conditions very difficult, and fire spread quickly throughout the attic area after breaking through the roof and getting fresh air. The initial interior attacks were made with 3 - 1 3/4 hand lines and all crews tried unsuccessfully to pull ceilings and access the attic quickly to stop the spread of the fire. After heavy fire was reported to be throughout the attic command called an evacuation alert and went to a defensive exterior attack using ladder trucks from Lewes and Rehoboth. They were able to knock down the bulk of the fire using master streams. Interior crews then returned to hit the hot spots and performed salvage and overhaul tasks. The roof and third floor areas were heavily damaged and the entire home received water damage. Additional assistance was given at the scene from Georgetown, Indian River, and Mid Sussex. Also assisting with stand-bys for the involved companies were Slaughter Beach, Ellendale, Millsboro, Bethany Beach, and Laurel. We would also like to thank the neighbors whose garage was used as rehab, due to the weather conditions. (2) Rehoboth Beach Fire Company - http://www.rehobothbeachfire.com/gallery.cfm?id=411&ss=1 (3) WGMD Radio Station #92.7 http://www.wgmd.com/?p=8705 BREAKING & UPDATED: Early morning Lewes fire caused by lightning UPDATE (08-18-10 3PM): A house fire broke out just before 4 this morning on New Jersey Avenue at Lewes Beach. Firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the 3-story home – everyone in the home was able to escape safely – the home did have working smoke detectors. State Fire Marshal investigators say the fire was caused by a lightning strike. Lewes fire officials say the roof and third floor were heavily damaged and the entire home received water damage. Numerous area fire crews helped to battle the blaze. Damage is estimated at $500,000. FIRE MARSHAL NEWS RELEASE: The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office investigated at fire that occurred on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at 3:54AM in the 100 block of New Jersey Avenue, Lewes, DE. The Lewes Fire Department, assisted by the Rehoboth Beach, Indian River, Milton and Georgetown Fire Departments responded to the scene. Upon arrival they encountered a three story wood frame dwelling with fire in the third floor. The occupants of the dwelling heard the lightning strike and were able to escape the dwelling without injury. Damages have been estimated at approximately $500,000. The home was equipped with working smoke detectors. State Fire Marshal Investigators have determined that the fire originated in the roof area and was caused by a lightning strike. UPDATE–6:30 am Fire companies that were at the scene of a house fire earlier this morning in the area of Lewes Beach on New Jersey Avenue are on their way back now, however the Lewes Fire Company is still reported to be at the scene. UPDATE–6 am: Fire crews are still on the scene of a house fire on New Jersey Avenue in the area of Lewes Beach. The fire call came in after 4:00 this morning. The Lewes Fire Company tells WGMD that at this time no reports of injuries. Several area fire departments have responded. WGMD will have more details as they become available. EARLIER REPORT: WGMD has learned that a fire has occurred on New Jersey Avenue in Lewes—at Lewes beach north of Savannah Avenue. Several fire departments responded including Lewes, Rehoboth, Milton, Georgetown and Indian River. The call was just after 4:00 this morning. WGMD will have more information as it becomes available.