Wilmington, Delaware- Monday, November 7, 2005, at 4:55 am, Wilmington Fire Department units were dispatched to 316 West 35th Street, for a dwelling fire.
Upon arrival units found a two story occupied dwelling with heavy smoke and fire showing from the front of the dwelling. Reports also indicated possible entrapment of occupants.
Firefighters advanced hose lines into the dwelling and in doing so found a male occupant in the first floor rear of the house.
The bedridden occupant suffered severe burns, smoke inhalation, and was treated at the scene and transported to Crozier-Chester in critical condition.
The second occupant suffered smoke inhalation and was also transported to the same hospital. Firefighter Jeffery Schaal of Engine Company 4 sustained second degree burns to both ears, and neck area. He was transported to the Wilmington Hospital treated and released.
The fire was contained to the first floor of the dwelling with heavy damage to the property.
Smoke did extend to 318 West 35th Street, with all occupants exiting safely.
Fire was placed under control at 5:23 am, with 30 firefighters at the scene.
Wilmington Fire Marshall's Office continuing the investigation as to the cause of the fire.
