(1)  Tuesday January, 7 2014 @ 21:53:53

Nature: Alarm Company

Address: 33586 Windswept Dr Millsboro, DE 19966

(2)  Tuesday January, 7 2014 @ 23:49:57

Location: Lingo Creek, Building 329

Address: 32980 Shoppes At Long Neck Millsboro, DE 19966

On Tuesday evening, January 7th, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company responded to multiple automatic fire alarm (AFA) incidents based upon water flow activations as a result of the unseasonable cold weather. This weather phase has been labeled a polar vortex with temperatures hovering between 8° - 9°.

Incident #1 – Windswept Condos – The Peninsula

Emergency response units included Ladder 80, 80 Incidednt Command, and Engine #80-3 as well as the Delaware State Fire Police.  Incident Command identified visible and audible alarms and clear evidence of a water leak.

Emergency response crew assignments were to mitigate the alarm and identify the source of the water flow, discontinue the water supply, and disconnect the utilities to the affected areas.

This issue was the result of a broken sprinkler head on the front screened in porch area on the second floor of the residential structure. Forcible entry was required in order access the unit.

There were no displacement of homeowners or tenants.  

The alarm company was notified and on-scene.

Incident #2 – Lingo Creek Apartment

Emergency response units included Ladder 80, 80 Incident Command, and Engine #80-3 as well as the Delaware State Fire Police, the local ambulance service provider and the utilities company.  Incident Command identified visible and audible alarms and clear evidence of water flowing from multiple units.

Emergency response crew assignments were to mitigate the alarm and identify the source of the water flow, discontinue the water flow and disconnect the utilities to the affected units. 

This issue was the result of a broken pipe and/or sprinkler head in the attic area of the second floor residential structure. Forcible entry was required in order access the fire alarm pump system for this building.

There was displacement of tenants which impacted six potential units and 15 persons of all ages and the Red Cross was notified for assistance.

The alarm company was notified of the incident and provided a responder.