January 12, 2023 – Mill Creek Fire Company was dispatched at 11:46 AM to a townhouse fire in the 3200 block of Champions Road, Fairway Falls in Pike Creek Valley. Multiple 9-1-1 callers reported smoke coming from the roof of the townhouse. The initial dispatch included Aetna, Christiana, Cranston Heights, Elsmere, and Hockessin Fire Companies.  

Units arriving on the scene reported fire showing from the roof, second and third floors of the three-story structure. At 11:56 AM command issued a call for a 2nd alarm bringing resources from Brandywine Hundred, Claymont, Delaware City, Five Points, Goodwill Minquadale, Minquas, and Pennsylvania Fire Companies. Over 100 firefighters responded to the scene to battle the blaze. EMTS responded from Mill Creek, Aetna, and Elsmere Fire Companies along with New Castle County paramedics. Cover up assignments came from Pennsylvania, and Kent County Delaware fire companies.  

At 12:04 PM a mayday was initiated with firefighters trapped in the basement of the fire structure. Delaware State Police helicopter was dispatched to the scene and landed in a nearby field. Three firefighters were rescued and transported to the Christiana Hospital by ambulance.  

At 12:10 PM Command issued an emergency evacuation order to all firefighters to leave the fire structure. Master streams and handlines poured thousands of gallons of water on the fire. The fire was put under control at 12:55 PM. 

The American Red Cross was notified to provide assistance to the fire victims and the occupants of a home alongside the fire structure which suffered some fire and smoke damage. The fire structure suffered heavy fire and smoke damage. Skyline Road near the entrance of the community was shut down due to the fire. Over 20 fire apparatus responded to the alarm along with ten New Castle County Paramedic units, numerous fire police and New Castle County Police. The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the origin and cause of the fire.  

JS