Monday January, 27 2025 @ 16:02

Nature: Structure Fire

Location: 27130 Carlos Lane Millsboro, DE 19966

On Monday afternoon, January 27^th, the Indian River (80), Millsboro (83), and Dagsboro (73) volunteer fire companies were alerted for a residential structure fire on Carlos Lane off Cordrey Road.  Additional emergency alerts included the Mid Sussex Rescue Squad and the Sussex County Paramedics.  It was reported that a neighbor advised the house was on fire and that there should not be anyone at the residence at the current time.

Emergency response units from Indian River included Rescue 80 from the Oak Orchard facility, Engine 80 and 80-1 from the Long Neck facility as well as the Delaware State Fire Police.  Mutual aid companies (Lewes and Gumboro) provided stand-by cover up assignments for the fire departments.  Initial arriving first responders identified heavy smoke and fire showing.

Emergency response crew assignments included activation of multiple 1¾” attack lines for fire suppression efforts as well as primary and secondary searches, exposure protection, establish water supply operations with in-coming engines and tankers from Dagsboro and Millsboro, establish and set-up aerial truck operations, establish a manpower for additional assignment delegation.  Other assignments after the completion of the previous assignments included roof ventilations as well as interior suppression activities and overhaul.

It appears that residential structure was heavily involved with fire on side “D” of the structure with fire venting through the windows and doors of an addition with exposure to an automobile, shed and extensions into main portion of the structure via the eaves, roof, and attic areas.  Initially, it was not known that this structure had underwent multiple renovations with numerous layers of roof and attic cavity spaces where the fire was able to spread into. 

As initial arriving engines utilized their water supply, they were replaced with tankers and then commenced with a water shuttle operation.  The aerial truck was utilized for roof ventilation and attic access for hard to enter areas. Roof ladders were also utilized to secure safe access for firefighters working to gain access to the attic areas.  There were not any firefighter or civilian injuries associated with the incident.

The Delaware State Fire Police coordinated traffic control and scene access for the duration of the incident.

The Delaware State Fire Marshal is investigating.