Friday January, 12 2024 @ 21:04

Nature: Structure Fire

Location: Plantations Pool (82)

Address:  18462 Plantations Blvd, The Plantations, DE 19958

On Friday evening, January 12^th, the Indian River (80), Rehoboth Beach (86), and Milton (85) fire companies were alerted to assist Lewes (82) Fire Department with a structure fire on Plantations Blvd in the Plantations development. Additional emergency alerts included the Sussex County Paramedics.  There were various reports saying their clubhouse was on fire in the development. 

A second alarm was requested with the Millsboro (83), Ellendale (75), Bethany Beach (70), and Georgetown (77) fire companies responding to the location as well as the Mid Sussex Rescue Squad and Rehoboth Beach EMS units.  Many mutual aid companies were utilized to provide cover up assignments. 

Emergency response units from Indian River included Tower 80 from the Oak Orchard facility, Engines #80-1 and #80-3 from the Long Neck facility as well as the Delaware State Fire Police.

Emergency response crew assignments included assistance with manpower pool resources and other duties as assigned including fire suppression.  Engine #80-3 was utilized to provide water resources for paerial operations. 

According to the Lewes Fire Department, the fire had penetrated the roof area throughout the building which necessitated the second alarm sounding and the evacuation of the fire suppression crews inside. The decision to evacuate was prompted by the need to initiate "heavy-duty master streams" to fully suppress the fire.  This technique proved successful in extinguishing majority of the fire. After knocking down the majority of the flames, firefighting crews re-entered the building to finish off their efforts.  A total of 13 different crews were on site to combat the blaze.

The Delaware State Fire Police coordinated the complete closure of Plantations Road between Postal Lane and Robinsonville Road for the duration of the incident. There was not any accessibility for non-emergency vehicles onto the Plantations Boulevard.

The Sussex County Paramedics and EMS providers did provide assistance and a rehab facility where needed.  There was one firefighter transported to nearby medical facilities for additional observations.

The Delaware State Fire Marshal is investigating.

Additional information may be obtained by viewing

• Rehoboth Beach VFC - https://rehobothbeachfire.com/gallery/detail/49592

• WRDE News - https://www.wrde.com/news/fire-at-the-plantations-clubhouse-in-lewes/article_1a23c87e-b27e-11ee-8ba8-2fc2f115127d.html

• WGMD News - https://www.wgmd.com/fire-damages-fitness-center-at-plantations-in-lewes/

• Cape Gazette:

  • https://www.capegazette.com/article/firefighters-respond-fire-plantations-clubhouse/269721 and

  • https://www.capegazette.com/article/tennis-continues-plantations-center-following-fire/269721