On Sunday November 22, 2015, at approximately 1240 hours, the Lewes Fire Department, Rehoboth Beach Fire Company, Indian River Fire Company, and Paramedics from Sussex County EMS were dispatched to a reported house fire. The Sussex County Dispatch center advised units responding of multiple calls, believed to be a working fire. Medic 104 and 86-25 then arrived on scene to confirm that it was a working basement fire. Engines 82-5, 82-2, and 86-2 arrived simultaneously and began deploying handlines. Crews from Engines 82-5 and 82-2 stretched handlines to the Alpha side and into the basement area while crews from 86-2 worked to deploy secondary lines on the exterior of the building. Deputy Chief Reynolds operated as 82-Command for the majority of the fire. The bulk of the fire was extinguished quickly and serveral fans were placed in service. The fire was placed under control at approximately 1315 hours. Extensive overhaul was performed. Units were cleared from the scene at approximately 1444 hours. Shortly after the dispatch of this working fire Lewes was alerted for a reported Gas Leak elsewhere in our district. Captain Gause quickly diverted his route of travel and advised other engines not committed to the fire to do the same. This incident was quickly placed under control and units then continued to respond for the box alarm. Again, shortly before clearing the scene of the fire, Lewes was alerted for a Vehicle Accident on Savannah Road. Captain Gause again utilized units that had already been released and mitigated the emergency with the resources given.

Delaware State Fire Marshals Office is investigating the cause of the fire.