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
In partnership with Pierce Manufacturing Inc., the International Association of Fire Chiefs announced the 2026 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year honorees at Fire-Rescue International in Kansas City
Learn the full history of firefighter decon, from dirty gear to modern-day protocols that save lives
The Merced Fire Department now has a firefighter/paramedic on duty around the clock at every station as medical calls continue to rise
Rear Admiral Lisa Delaney discusses eligibility, covered conditions and why some responders are only now seeking care