Saturday June, 1 2024 @ 03:17

Nature: Structure Fire

Location: Big Oak Lane Millsboro, DE 19966

Early Saturday morning, June 1^st, the Indian River (80), Millsboro (83), Lewes (82), Rehoboth Beach (86) and Milton (85) fire companies were alerted for a residential structure fire on Big Oak Lane off Banks Road near Long Neck.  It was reported to be a fire on the back deck of the residence.  Initial arriving first responders identified an outside fire, involved, with fire thru the roof of the structure.

Emergency response units from Indian River included Tanker 80 and Utility 80 from the Oak Orchard facility, Engine #80-3 from the Long Neck facility as well as the Delaware State Fire Police.  Additional emergency alerts included the Millsboro EMS, the Mid Sussex Rescue Squad, and the Sussex County Paramedics.  The Dagsboro (73) Fire Company was alerted to provide a standby assignment for Indian River while other mutual aid companies may have provided assistance as well.

Emergency response crew assignments included and initial exterior evaluation and activation of 2½” fire suppression lines as well as two additional 1¾” fire suppression hand lines to the structure.  It was identified that overhead live electric lines had fallen from the structure on Side B and Side C access was waterfront and pier decking which was impacted by the fire as well.  Crews were requested to establish a water supply, disconnect all utilities to the residential structure and pursue defensive fire suppression activities as needed.  All apparatus were requested to supply water and establish a water supply process to mitigate the incident.

It appears that a waterfront residential structure was fully involved with fire upon arrival emergency first responders which caused extensive damage to the structure rendering it completely inhabitable and obsolete. It is extremely possible that the fire originated as a result of utilizing an outside burn pit the evening before.

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

There was one firefighter transported to nearby medical facilities for additional observation.   The occupant of the residential structure was outside of the structure upon arrival of the fire company.

The Delaware State Fire Marshal is investigating the incident.

The Delaware State Police were present at the incident location as well.

Additional information may be viewed via the following links:

(1)  WRDE News - https://www.wrde.com/news/firefighter-taken-to-hospital-after-long-neck-fire/article_c92db654-2056-11ef-886a-47ac0279b563.html

(2) WBOC News - https://www.wboc.com/news/delaware-state-fire-marshal-investigating-fire-in-millsboro/article_960cfbf4-2074-11ef-aee0-9367a9cb2de0.html.