Thursday January, 25 2024 @ 21:36

Nature: Structure Fire

Location: Renaissance Nursing (80)

Address:  26002 John J Williams Hwy Millsboro, DE 19966

On Thursday evening, January 25^th, the Indian River (80), Lewes (82) and Millsboro (83) fire companies were alerted for a commercial structure fire at the Renaissance Nursing Home on John J. Williams Highway.  The reporting person identified that she saw flames and smoke inside the building.

Emergency response units from Indian River include Tower 80 and Tanker 80 from the Oak Orchard facility and Engine #80-3 from the Long Neck facility as well as the Delaware State Fire Police. Other ancillary units included the Mid Sussex Rescue Squad and the Sussex County Paramedics.  Initial arriving EMS units identified smoke showing from the “B” side of the structure and an evacuation has started within the nursing home.

Emergency response crew assignments include an immediate situation update with smoking showing near the mechanical room area, initial crews found the sprinkler system in the mechanical room has been activated with smoke and water intrusion into the building.  The nursing staff was coordinating an evacuation.  Responding apparatus established a water supply by accessing the hydrant and laying LDH to the apparatus, once confirmation of fire suppression was obtained ventilation was initiated.

It appears that the fire occurred in the mechanical room and suppressed by the sprinkler system with smoke and water intrusion into other building areas.

The Delaware State Fire Police coordinated traffic control for the duration of the incident.

The Delaware State Fire Marshal is investigating.

There were no nursing home resident injuries or firefighter injuries reported.

There was not any residential occupant displacement.

Additional information may be obtained by viewing:

1. Cape Gazette - https://www.capegazette.com/article/long-neck-nursing-home-evacuated-after-fire/270277

2. WRDE - https://www.wrde.com/features/cool-things/nursing-home-fire-drowned-out/article_85438eea-bc02-11ee-a2ca-a78a25cb00f8.html