At 15:35hrs., 27-1 arrived on scene confirming a working building fire with fire through the roof of the structure. Engine 1-6 arrived moments after 27-1 and positioned on the B/C corner of the building and placed two 1.75" lines in service as well as the deck gun. They had their own hydrant at the entrance to the complex. Engine 27-5 established a second hydrant at the entrance to the neighboring Hardees and positioned on the C/D corner of the building, leaving access for 15-7 on the A side. Engine 27-5's crew placed lines in service, as well as supplied Engine 29-4 on the D side of the structure. Engine 9 laid an additional line to supply 15-7, bringing the total hydrants used at 3. Water pressure was not an issue for units operating the fire.

The bulk of the fire was knocked down within the first 20 minutes of units arriving on scene with crews from multiple departments working several hours to contain hot spots. Tower 27 and 15-7 remained in service flowing water to the structure.

The Delaware State Fire Marshal's office is investigating the cause of the fire. The building was a total loss.

Fire departments responding to assist Middletown were Odessa, Port Penn, Delaware City, Clayton and Aetna Hose Hook & Ladder of Newark. Clayton also provided a ladder cover up for the area along with the Wilmington Manor Fire Company. New Castle County Paramedic unit 5D and ALS-21 also stood by for possible injuries. No one was injured while on scene.

Thank you to all fire department personnel who worked hard to contain the fire.

Assistant Chief Schusteritsch had command.

Story By: Deputy Chief Paul Watts