Sunday January, 17 2016 @ 18:03
Nature: House Fire
Location: 20834-21041 Beaver Dam Rd, Harbeson, DE 19951

On Sunday evening, January 17th, the Indian River (80), Lewes (82), and Millsboro (83) fire companies were alerted for a reported house fire on or near Beaver Dam Road between Indian Mission Road and Falcon Crest.  It was reported to be a working alarm.

Emergency response units from Indian River included Tanker 80, Rescue 80, and Utility 80-11 from the Oak Orchard facility as well as Engine#80-3 from the Long Neck site.  The Delaware State Fire Police, the Sussex County Paramedics as well as nearby companies were alerted for assistance at the scene or standby cover up assignments.

Emergency response assignments included situational mitigation, establishment and tendering an incoming 5” (LDH) supply line, water resource or shuttle operations, fire suppression upon gaining access, traffic control, and others suppression tasks.

It appears that a farm house outbuilding hosting a variety of commodities include livestock was fully involved upon arrival of first responding units.  Access was via a dirt lane that ran between Beaver Dam Road and Phillips Branch Road.  The bulk of the emergency response apparatus entered via Beaver Dam Road.

Indian River’s Engine #80-3 was the first arriving fire suppression unit and dropped a five (5”) inch hose lay while Tanker #80 was the next due engine that supplies the initial resources.  As Lewes and Millsboro apparatus response units arrived a water shuttle operations was coordinated.  Additional resources to assist with station coverage was coordinated by the Sussex County Emergency Operations.

All incoming units could identify the magnitude of the incident by the orange glow in the sky.

The fire suppression activities were extensive but most the structure was considered a complete loss.

The Delaware State Fire Marshall’s Office is investigating.

Additional information may be obtained by viewing:

• WGMD Radio 92.7 – http://wgmd.com/fire-destroys-a-farm-outbuilding-in-lewes/  

• Delaware 105.9 Radio FM - http://www.delaware1059.com/story.php?id=21564

• Lewes Fire Department (Station #82) - http://www.lewesfire.com/gallery/index?id=816

• WMDT Channel 47 News - http://www.wmdt.com/news/more-local-news/Harbeson-outbuilding-total-loss-after-Sunday-fire/37495370