Wednesday October, 30 2024

Nature:  Residential Structure Fire

Location: 24940 Pot Bunker Way, Baywood Greens, Long Neck, DE 

On Wednesday evening, October 30^th, the Indian River (80), Lewes (82), Millsboro (83), and Milton (85) volunteer fire companies were alerted for a residential structure fire on Pot Bunker Way in the Baywood development off John J. Williams Highway.  It was reported that something blew up in the kitchen area and the house was full of smoke with the possibly of two wheelchair bound persons being inside the structure.

Emergency response units from Indian River included Rescue 80 and Tanker 80 from the Oak Orchard facility, Engine #80-1 from the Long Neck facility as well as the Mid Sussex Rescue Squad and the Sussex County Paramedics. 

Emergency response crew assignments included location and extrication of the trapped occupants, exterior evaluation and initial incident size up with location of utilities and exterior conditions, interior firefighters advised moderate to heavy smoke inside with a small fire above the microwave, utilities to the residence have been secured and disconnected, fire suppression activities where needed as well as water supply establishment from the nearby hydrants.

Initial arriving fire suppression apparatus was Rescue 80 and reported nothing showing from the exterior with crews entering the interior of the structure and encountering moderate to heavy smoke while searching for the occupants.  The male occupant was immediately located and escorted out of the structure while others searched for the female occupant and bringing her out to awaiting EMS personnel.  Suppression crews stretched a fire attack line to the kitchen while the primary search was being conducted.  The first responders located three family pets which were all rescued.  The other responding companies assisted with opening up the residential structure.

The American Red Cross personnel were consulted regarding the needs of the displaced residential occupants as the utilities were shut-off and the structure deemed inhabitable.

The Delaware State Fire Police coordinated and assigned with scene access.

The Delaware State Fire Marshal is investigating.