On July 7, 2025, at 0110 hours, the Wilmington Firefighters on the B Platoon were dispatched to the area of W 4th Street and N Broom Street for a report of a building on fire with possible subjects trapped. Engine 6 was the first arriving company reporting fire showing from the 1st floor of a corner property containing an commercial occupancy on the 1st floor and apartments on the 2nd floor. Firefighters quickly placed hoselines in service to knock down the fire while other firefighters searched the building for any remaining occupants. All occupants that were in the apartments above the fire had exited prior to the arrival of The Wilmington Fire Department. The commercial space on the first floor was found to be unoccupied. The fire was placed under control by the incident commander, Battalion Chief Michael Harris at approximately 0155 hours. The first floor of the structure was heavily damaged by fire. The second floor received extensive heat and smoke damage. The adjoining properties were not affected. Two residents of the second floor apartments were evaluated on scene by EMS for smoke inhalation but were not transported to the hospital. There were no firefighter injuries. The Wilmington Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating the cause and origin of the fire. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents with locating temporary housing.

Approximately 40 fire and EMS personnel responded to the fire. The following units responded: Engine 6 Engine 1 Engine 5, Squad 4; Ladder 2, Ladder 1; Battalion Chief 2, Battalion Chief 1; Ambulance 1; Ambulance 2; Ambulance 5; New Castle County EMS.