Friday February, 6 2015 @ 22:48

Nature: Structure Fire

Location: Behind Break Water

Address: 35218 Overfalls Dr N., Lewes, DE 19958

On Friday evening February 6th, the Indian River (80), Rehoboth Beach (86), Memorial (89), Milton (85), and Millsboro (83) were alerted to provide tanker company assistance to the Lewes (82) Fire Department for a working structure off of Gills Neck Road.

Emergency response units from Indian River included Tanker 80 from the Oak Orchard facility and Engine #80-3 from the Long Neck facility.

Emergency response crew assignments were to assist with water supply operations as well as fire suppression assignments as needed.

It is understood that other fire companies were alerted for stand-by coverage assignments for fire departments that were upgraded to respond to the scene location.

Upon arrival of emergency response apparatus, it was identified that a large barn possibly 100’ by 75’ was fully involved with fire.

The Delaware State Fire Marshall’s Office is investigating.

Additional information may be viewing via the following web pages:

(1) Lewes Fire Department - http://www.lewesfire.com/gallery/index?id=759

(2) Cape Gazette Newspaper

http://capegazette.villagesoup.com/p/arson-destroys-historic-lewes-landmark/1302717

Arson destroys historic Lewes landmark Cause of fire unknown; damage set at $150,000 Arson has claimed an historic Lewes barn that once graced the estate of local horse and cattle breeders.

The loss came as a blow to developers who intended to use the barn as a community center for the Showfield development off Gills Neck Road.

Bryce Lingo was in shock after hearing about the fire Feb. 9.

“It's a horrible shame,” he said. “The barn was in very good condition.”

Bill Lingo, who owns the property with his brother Bryce, was disappointed to hear of the barn's demise. “You try to preserve things, and this happens,” he said.

Firefighters responded to the fire about 10:50 p.m. after receiving a call from neighbors about a fully involved fire, said Harry Miller, chief deputy state fire marshal. Flames were pouring out of the 50-by-100-foot barn when firefighters from Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Milton, Indian River and Slaughter Beach arrived, he said.

Fire marshals determined arson caused the fire arson after ruling out accidental causes. Officials ruled out accidental causes because there is no electric or heat to the barn, Miller said. A tractor was stored at the site, but it was located away from the heavy burning area, he said.

No matches or accelerants were found because the barn was allowed to burn out, he said.

The fire caused an estimated $150,000 in damage, totally destroying the barn, Miller said.

It was one of two that served the grand Georgian-style home that graces Gills Neck Road built by Otis and Hazell Smith in the late 1940s.

There, the Smiths raised prized polled Hereford cattle, horses, sheep and other farm animals. A bull named Battle Mixer settled at the farm after arriving from Philadelphia to a fanfare of governors and officials, Bryce Lingo said.

Bryce Lingo said the Smiths spared no expense on building the barn. “It was built out of the finest material,” he said.

The second floor boasted tongue-and-groove maple flooring with impeccable engineering throughout, Bryce Lingo said.

Before the devastating fire, the Lingos intended to renovate the barn and use it as a community center for the Showfield development. Bryce Lingo said he had looked forward to building a waterwheel in front of the barn.

“It's tragic, honestly,” he said.

“It was a landmark.”

Anyone with information on the fire is asked to call the Office of the State Fire Marshal at 302-856-5600 or 1-800-847-3333.

(3)  WGMD Radio 92.7 News:

http://wgmd.com/3-arrested-in-lewes-fire/

3 Arrested in Lewes Fire

The Delaware State Fire Marshals have arrested three juveniles for an arson fire that severely damaged a barn.

Written by: Walt Palmer

2015/02/20 11:53 AM

The Delaware State Fire Marshals have arrested three juveniles for an arson fire that severely damaged a barn.

The fire happened on the night of February 6 off Gills Neck Road in Lewes

Fire officials say the ages of the juveniles range from 15 to 16. One is from Lewes, one from Rehoboth, and one from Ocean Pines.

All three are charged with one count of third degree arson, second degree conspiracy, criminal mischief, and second degree criminal trespass.

all three have been released to relatives under $2500 bond, pending arraignment at a later date.

The total damage is estimated at about $150,000. No injuries were reported.