Friday, February 9, 2024 @ 11:20

Nature: Brush Fire

Location: 26092-26379 Bethesda Rd Georgetown, DE 19947

On Friday, February 9th, the Indian River (80), Georgetown (77), Dagsboro (73), Frankford (76), Milton (85) fire departments and many other mutual aid companies were alerted to assist the Millsboro (83) Fire Company with a rapidly spreading brush fire off Bethesda Road with fire heading towards the local school.

Emergency response units from Indian River included Tanker 80, Utility 80-11 with Polaris 80 from the Oak Orchard facility and Brush 80-0 from the Long Neck facility.

Emergency response units from Indian River were directed to assist with Tanker 80 and Brush 80-0 going to the area behind Sussex Central High School and Utility 80 / Polaris 80 were designated elsewhere off Bethesda Road.

Tanker 80 assisted with water supply to apparatus from Dagsboro operating in the area as well as other brush units across the tracks.  Brush 80 was assigned to proceed down the field to another spot and assist with fire suppression and mop up of hot spots.

The Delaware State Police Aviation Unit Trooper 2 was utilized for aerial surveillance to assist with targeted areas as well as hot spots..

A local farmer provided a tractor and plow discs to assist with establishing fire breaks.

Additional efforts were utilized to stop the approaching train that was traveling from the Georgetown area towards Millsboro because fire suppression lines were crossing the tracks.

All mutual aid companies assisted as needed to fully suppress and mitigate the incident.

Additional information may be viewed via the following websites:

1. WBOC News - https://www.wboc.com/news/multiple-fire-companies-respond-to-massive-sussex-county-field-fire/article_4c144de8-c78e-11ee-bd42-d389de580655.html

2. WGMD News - https://www.wgmd.com/firefighters-battle-field-fire-north-of-millsboro-friday/

Firefighters Battle Field Fire North of Millsboro Friday - February 10, 2024/Mari Lou

Millsboro and multiple other fire companies responded to the scene of a field fire on Bethesda Road near Sussex Central High School. Firefighters were called just after 11:15 and found a fast moving fire with flames sometimes reaching heights of 30-plus feet because of the heavy brush conditions. There was a huge – and needed turnout of equipment – with 29 pieces from 6 different departments – including five tankers. Fire officials say about 35 to 40 acres was burned – crews were on the scene for just over 2 hours.