On Sunday, December 24, 2006, fire department units were dispatched to the pool building in the parkland for reports of smoke coming from the building. First arriving units found heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear of the building. The fire quickly escalated to a second alarm with companies being ordered to an exterior attack. Initially, it appeared there could be pool chemicals stored in the building. Later, after contacting personnel from Parks and Recreation Department, it was learned that all the chemicals are stored in the small outbuildings on the property. The building was a total loss including all the contents.
Wilmington firefighters were assisted at the scene and by covering our stations by members of several New Castle County Fire Companies. At the height of the fire, there were 15 pieces of apparatus, and 75 firefighters and EMS personnel on scene.
Lieutenant Richard Mazzio, 59 years of age, was injured when a section of 5 inch supply line came apart and struck him in the chest. Lt. Mazzio was treated and released from the Wilmington Hospital where he was treated for chest contusions. There were no other reported injuries as a result of the fire.
The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation by the Wilmington Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office.
