Delawareans woke up to the tragic news that two Wilmington firefighters died in a house fire on the edge of the city, with two others in critical condition
The deaths occurred in a house fire that was reported at around 4 a.m.
DelwareOnLine.com reported that four other firefighters were injured, with two in critical condition. One woman firefighter was taken to the burn center at Crozier-Chester in Upland, PA. Another firefighter was taken to Christiana Hospital, the website reported.
A floor collapse is believed to have been responsible for the deaths and injuries. The two men killed were identified as Christopher Leach and Jerry Fickes.
Wilmington Fire Chief Anthony Goode reported in a Twitter post that the other two firefighters suffered minor injuries while confirming the deaths and that two firefighters who were critically hurt.
Goode said he will offer an update from the scene late this morning.
Identities of those killed and injured were not released, although social media posts listed names.
The Delaware Fire School asked people to “please allow them to notify families and grieve, and please keep them and their families in your thoughts.”
The fire was reported in the 1900 block at 1900 Lakeview Road. The location is on the southwest end of the city near the Town of Elsmere.
“I’m devastated to hear of the tragic fire that took two Wilmington FD lives this morning. I’m praying for the family and loved ones of these brave firefighters and the other men and women injured during this rescue,” Gov. Jack Markell stated. “My thoughts are also with the family who lost their home this morning. I know our community will come together to help those grieving during this difficult time.”
“My prayers are with the firefighters and their families. I’m at the scene with the family whose house caught on fire. They are devastated. Tough day for everyone,” Wilmington City Councilman Kevin Kelly wrote in a social media post.
Wilmington Mayor Dennis Williams also confirmed the deaths and injuries: “God bless them and their families. My heart heavy with pain,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
Wilmington, a city of about 71,000 has the only non-volunteer fire department in Delaware.
The department maintains six engine companies, two ladder companies, and a marine firefighting unit.
The U.S. Fire Administration listed three Wilmington firefighter deaths in the city since 1990. None were directly related to a fire.
