Video courtesy of WHYY Newsworks
More than 60 fire, police and emergency medical services personnel responded to a smoky two-alarm fire late Thursday morning at Gross Lighting and Bulb Center, 201 W. 4th Street, in downtown Wilmington.
Physical damage was confined to Gross’ Lighting Center, however neighboring properties also experienced minor smoke damage. At 2:45 p.m., Chief Anthony S. Goode, declared the fire under control.
The business has been in operation for a century. No estimate of damage was listed in a city release.
The business is headed by Phil Gross, a well-liked figure in business circles. He reportedly lost his residence in the fire.
Words of comfort and offers of assistance were quickly posted on his Facebook page. As a precautionary measure, children at the Salvation Army child care center were evacuated to nearby Delaware Technical Community College and Kuumba Academy.
The city reported that in June 2012, due to numerous building code violations, Gross’ building was condemned by the Department of Licenses and Inspections. Violations included improperly maintained electrical facilities, loose and/or damaged asbestos, weakened floor, and unsafe structures and equipment.
The condemnation order required the building to remain closed and unoccupied until the violations were corrected, and a follow-up inspection was conducted. According to the Department of Licenses and Inspections, the business is still under a condemnation order.
Gross had been working to find funds and was busy at local chamber events promoting his products.
The blaze remains under investigation by the Wilmington Fire Marshal’s Office.
