Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, and Bethany Beach, Delaware firefighters responded to a reported building fire on Wednesday, May 21st at 4445 Coastal Highway north of Rehoboth Beach at approx. 2230 hrs. The fire was located in a Physicians Office with an occupied apartment above the business.
Upon arrival of the first units, heavy smoke was showing from the second floor apartment with all occupants having already escaped safely. Initial attack lines were deployed to the 2nd floor where crews encountered heavy smoke and heat conditions which hampered advancing into the structure until the roof was ventilated. Command had ladders placed for ventilation and egress as crews worked to locate the seat of the blaze which was located in void space's between the ceiling and the roof.
The efforts of about 75 firefighters, over three hours, fought to bring the blaze under control with no injuries. Damage was extensive to the structure and the Delaware State Fire Marshall is investigating the cause.
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