Trending Topics

Mayday: Del. firefighter suffers burns to face during house fire

Four firefighters were injured as “fire rapidly intensified” and led to a mayday situation in Elsmere

By Bill Carey
FireRescue1

ELSMERE, Del. — Four firefighters were injured, one seriously, following a mayday call during a house fire in Elsmere.

Firefighters responded to the fire in the Colonial Heights neighborhood on Oct. 23 and arrived to find smoke showing. During fireground operations, “the fire rapidly intensified,” and a mayday was transmitted for missing firefighters, according to a social media post from Elsmere Fire Company No.1.

A 25-year-old firefighter was treated for facial burns and taken to the hospital in serious condition, Delaware Online reported.

Three other firefighters were hospitalized in stable condition, including a 37-year-old man with burns to his arm, a 23-year-old with possible internal injuries and a 51-year-old with burns to his hand.

No occupants were trapped or injured during the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.


Preventing a mayday event


From prevention to data-driven decision-making, department leaders must set the tone for mayday-minded training
Trending
The FEMA SAFER grant will help ensure four-person minimum crews and support safe two-in, two-out operations
Preparation transforms uncertainty into confidence and ensures your organization is ready for whatever comes next
Stock up at 5.11 Tactical, grab a free meal at Chili’s, and enjoy more deals honoring U.S. military and first responders
Preparing for what’s next starts with what you do now