Two Delaware Firefighters Die In Rowhouse Fire After Floor Collapse, All Residents Survive


The Wilmington Fire Department is mourning the loss of two of their fellow firefighters. Lt. Christopher Leach, 41, and Senior Firefighter Jerry Fickes, 51, who both passed away in the blaze after the floor collapsed underneath them as they searched the building for trapped residents. Two other firefighters also fell during the collapse but were able to make it to safety. Sadly, Leach and Fickes would become trapped in a basement as their firefighting comrades attempted an unsuccessful rescue as the fire continued to rage above.

Delaware Online reports that firefighters were called to the scene of a rowhouse fire in the early morning hours to find flames shooting out of the residential building. Fire crews immediately began combating the fire as several firefighters entered the blaze on the first floor to combat the fire from there. However, as a team of four firefighters made their way through the building, the floor of the building collapsed. All four firefighters plummeted below. Firefighters Christopher Leach and Jerry Fickes would fall into the basement where they would remain trapped as the blaze continued to roar above.

The two other surviving firefighters that also fell in the collapse, Ardythe Hope and Brad Speakman, were taken to the hospital and are listed in stable but critical condition. The Daily Mail notes that all of the rowhouse residents were able to make it out of the blaze to safety but many believe that the firefighters entered the deadly blaze believing that there may be more residents trapped inside.

Neighbor Marion Veasey told the Mail that while she is happy all the residents were able to make it out of the fire, she says seeing the firefighters carrying one of their fallen brothers out of the charred building was the saddest thing she has ever witnessed.

“The saddest thing was having to watch them carry that firefighter out with an American flag over them, and it almost broke my heart.”

In addition to the firemen that fell during the floor collapse, two other firefighters also sustained burns but were able to be treated at the scene. One of the injured firemen, John Cawthray, says he received second-degree burns on his wrists and hands but that two of his “brothers” paid the “ultimate sacrifice.” He went on to note that the both Leach and Fickes were married and had families. He says they leave behind both their wives and five wonderful children.

“Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me and my family. Your kind words and prayers are greatly appreciated. I was lucky, I came away with only 2nd degree burns on my wrist and hand. Two of my Brothers paid the ultimate sacrifice. I truly loved both of them and they will be missed. Keep their families in mind. They leave behind 5 wonderful children and two women who loved them unconditionally.”

The Wilmington Fire Department notes that the deaths of Leach and Fickes are the first in nearly two decades and that the whole department is mourning the loss. Meanwhile, the Wilmington Mayor Dennis P. Williams says that the community suffered a great loss and that there is “so much pain right now.”

“This is a tragic situation. My heart is heavy. So much pain right now.”

Funeral arrangements for the fallen heroes have yet to be announced but the community is expected to pay their tribute to the two men.

[Featured Image by Wilmington Fire Department]

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