On the early morning hours of November 14, 2006 the Laurel Fire Department (Sussex County 81) along with the Delmar and Sharptown Fire Departments (Wicomico County 74 and 14), were dispatched to a structure fire on Dorothy Road. Laurel Assistant Chief Alan Schweitzer responded in Command 81 and arrived on the scene reporting a working fire.
The crew of Engine 812, under the direction of Rescue Captain Richie Condon, made an aggressive interior attack to try and contain the fire. Engine 741 arrived next and their crew pulled an additional hose line for back up. Sharptown firefighters handled ventilation of the roof, assisted by additional firefighters from Laurel. Firefighters worked for approximately an hour to control the blaze.
Additional Engine companies were called in due to extensive overhaul. The homeowners, Rick and Jane Jordan, were transported to the hospital with mild injuries and treated for smoke inhalation, Laurel fire officials said. Both were at home when the fire started and escaped serious injury, however were transported for evaluation. Despite the efforts of firefighters the home was heavily damaged either by smoke or fire and four cats perished as well.
Additional fire departments special called to the alarm were Blades (71), Georgetown (77), Salisbury (2), Hebron (5) and Gumboro (79). The Laurel Fire Department extends a special thanks to the Seaford Fire Department as they provided a stand-by crew in Laurel for the duration of this alarm, and assisted with a breakfast served to the firefighters after the incident.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, officials said.
