Thursday December, 29 2011 @ 15:24:21

Nature: Structure Fire

Location: Henlopen Station

Address: 100 - 499 Henlopen Station, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

On Thursday afternoon, December 29th, the Rehoboth Beach, Lewes and Indian River volunteer fire companies were alerted for a working structure fire in the development of Henlopen Station between Hebron Road and Rehoboth Avenue Extended. Initial dispatch information alerted Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company for their working alarm, Lewes Fire Department to assist Rehoboth on the working incident, and Indian River for a RIT Assignment (Rapid Intervention Team).

Initial incident reports identified an active fire situation in the side “C” interior walls between the various apartments and floors of the multi-purpose residential structures. Emergency response units included apparatus from Rehoboth Beach fire stations, Lewes fire stations, Indian River fire stations as well as Bethany Beach and Milton for specific company cover up assignments. The Sussex County Paramedics, the Delaware State Fire Police, and the City of Rehoboth Police Department also responded to the incident. The operational activities included sector assignments, such as: incident command, fire attack command, water supply operations, staging apparatus operations, manpower pool operations, traffic control operations, overhaul operations, and various other tasks.

Fire suppression crews were actively engaged in suppression activities on various levels of the multi-purpose structure to locate and identify the fire and ignition sources. Thermal imaging cameras were utilized to assist with these tasks.

Indian River supplied the following resources to assist with this specific incident: Engine #80-1 from the Oak Orchard facility with a staffing of six personnel; Engine #80-3 from the Long Neck facility with staffing of six personnel; and fire police personnel. The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.

Additional information may be obtained by viewing the following webpages:

(1) WGMD Radio – Radio 92.7 – www.wgmd.com

http://www.wgmd.com/?p=44103

UPDATE: Henlopen Station Condo Fire Caused by Electrical Malfunction

UPDATED STORY by Kelli Steele 9:15 a.m. 12.30.11: The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office has determined that a Thursday afternoon fire in the Henlopen Station Condominiums in Rehoboth Beach was caused by an electrical malfunction.

Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Randall Lee says the blaze originated in the ceiling of the first floor. Firemen from Indian River, Lewes, Bethany, Milton and Rehoboth Beach got the call just before 3:30 p.m.; arriving firemen encountered heavy smoke coming from the three-story building; there were no injuries.

Damage has been estimated at $100,000.

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UPDATED STORY by Kelli Steele 12.30.11: The

Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office is now investigating Thursday afternoon’s fire at Henlopen Station in Rehoboth Beach. Firemen from Indian River, Lewes, Bethany, Milton and Rehoboth Beach got the call just before 3:30 p.m.; arriving firemen say they found an active fire situation in the side “C” interior walls between the various apartments and floors of the multi-purpose residential structures; thermal imaging cameras had to be used to find the flames. No word yet on what sparked the fire. There were no injuries.

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ORIGINAL STORY: Fire companies from Indian River, Lewes and Rehoboth Beach are currently on the scene of a fire at Henlopen Station in Rehoboth Beach. The call came in around 3:25 this afternoon. Drivers on Rehoboth Avenue should expect delays due to emergency personnel and equipment in the area.