Friday July, 12 2013 @ 23:12

Nature: Structure Fire

Address: 28522 Ferndale Rd., Millsboro, DE 19966

Friday July, 12 2013 @ 23:09:32

Nature: Appliance Fire

Address: 28522 Ferndale Rd., Millsboro, DE 19966

Friday July, 12 2013 @ 18:03:54

Nature: Gas Leak

Address: 28500 - 28598 Ferndale Rd Millsboro, DE 19966

Gas Leak - Appliance Fire - Complete Complex Evacuation - Victoria's Landing

On Friday, July 12th, the Indian River (80), Millsboro (83), and Lewes (82) fire companies were alerted for a structure fire on Ferndale Road in the Victoria Landing development off of John J. Williams Highway. It was initially reported to be an appliance fire only hours after early incident.

Upon arrival of Indian River’s Incident Command, it was identified to be a continuation of the previous alerted incident involving a potential gas leak, water leak and odor of propane within the 8 unit complex.

Emergency response units included: Engine 80-1 and Ladder 80 from the Oak Orchard facility and Engine #80-3 from the Long Neck facility as well as a full engine company response from Lewes Fire Department and Millsboro Fire Company. The Sussex County Paramedics and local emergency medical service provider also responded.

Emergency response crews were assigned to evaluate and identify the potential source of the concern as well as fully evacuate the residential complex. All residential units were fully opened for ventilation purposes and the respective propane company was alerted to respond.

Multiple elevated levels of gases were prevalent upon testing with the gas meters. Multiple efforts to locate the source of the concern were utilized as well as full shut-off of the propane to the building and at the main storage tank.

Additional resources were requested from the Office of the State Fire Marshall in consultation with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

All residents of the structure were extremely cooperative; however, upon extensive efforts, it was later identified that completed evacuation for an extended period of time was eminent, complete shutdown of the propane as well as complete electrical service shut off was ordered until additional evaluation and resources could identify the source of the concern.

Elevated levels of gases were present in five of the eight units and three units had experienced a small degree of fire within the hours leading up to the complaints.

All residents were required to vacant and find temporary quarters at nearby hotels, motels, etc.

Illustrated herewith is an chronology of the earlier events:

(1)  Initial concern of propane leak, small fire and water leak - not reported to the emergency fire company operations - residential home occupants mitigated and contacted propane company directly.  Propane company responded.

(2)  Propane and water leak - reported to emergency fire company operations - different residential unit in complex.  Incident determined minimal amounts of gas detection and actual water leak.  Propane company responded and water to residential unit shut-off.

(3)  Applicance fire - reported to emergency fire company operations - different residential unit in complex.  Incident determined significant amounts of gas detection.  Propane company responded, electric company responded with both services being shut off and complex evacuated.  Residents temporarily relocated. 

The Delaware State Fire Marshall’s Office is investigating.

Additional information may be obtained by viewing the following web pages:

• WGMD Radio 92.7 – www.wgmd.com

http://wgmd.com/common/more.php?m=49&action=blog&r=51&post_id=48381

Propane Leak Causes Appliance Fire In Long Neck

Jul 13, 2013 -- 10:27am

A gas leak led to a small fire in a development in Long Neck late Friday night.

Just after 6 p.m., Indian River firefighters were called to the Victoria Landing Development off of Route 24 for a gas leak. Just over five hours later, firefighters were called back again for an appliance fire inside a home on Ferndale Road in the development. Firefighters from Lewes and Millsboro joined Indian River in responding to the fire. Firefighters found elevated levels of propane in the air. Propane and electricity had to be shut off, and the development had to be evacuated so firefighters could find the source of the propane leak. Firefighters found that three units had small amount of fire damage.

The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating to determine what caused the gas leak.