News

Last night at 10:03 pm, Sussex EOC alerted Station 81 Laurel, Station 74 Delmar, Station 14 Sharptown, and SCEMS for a reported Commercial Building Fire at the Laurel Dutch Inn on S Central Ave. 81 Command went responding with Chief Hill, Command arrived to find a single story commercial structure with heavy fire showing from sides B&C as well as through the roof. Engine 81-4 and Tower 81 went responding at the same time and both were fully staffed. Engine 4s arrival had a hydrant right next to it, Engine 4s crew immediately pulled a hose line and knocked down the visible fire on the B side then transitioned into an interior attack after the door was forced. Tower 81 arrived right behind Engine 4 and went to the C side to ladder the building and spilt the crew for ventilation and an inside crew. Tower 81 repositioned to the B side due to wires on the C side. Engine 81-3 went responding and picked up the hydrant on the corner of 10th and Central and laid 5 inch supply line to the C side where Engine 3s crew deployed a hose line through the back door on the C side. Rescue 74 and Engine 74-1 arrived and pulled a back up hose line through the front door on the A side. Truck 14 arrived and was assigned to assist Tower 81s crew with ventilation. Command requested an Engine and Rescue cover up out of Station 71 Blades. Interior crews advised still had fire above them in the ceiling. Command immediately brought in Engine 71-3 and Rescue 71 and advised to start Station 87 Seaford for the cover up. Ventilation crew got 3 holes cut and advised Command there was still heavy fire on the C side. Tanker 87 made the response for the cover up who later was brought into the scene for overhaul and to relieve other crews. Interior crews pulled ceiling and was able to finish knocking the fire down and situation was placed under control. Crews worked on scene for over 3 hours for extensive overhaul, wetting down hotspots, and clean up. Great job to all the crews!!