Five firefighters were injured and two warehouses burned to the ground in a Wednesday morning blaze, leaving Seaford residents with lingering effects of the fire in the local air and water supply.
Firefighters responded to the scene about 7 a.m. in an industrial park in the 500 block of Harrington Street. There, they found smoke and flames coming from two “warehouse/storage structures,” according to the Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal. The fire also damaged other structures in the area.
Five firefighters were treated and released with burns and other injuries, according to a Seaford Volunteer Fire Department Facebook post. No other injuries were reported.
Damage is estimated at $1 million, the fire marshal’s office said.
The fire marshal’s office is investigating the origin and cause of the fire and anyone with information should contact 302-856-5600.
Firefighters had “some issues” with fire hydrants on scene, Seaford City Manager Charles Anderson said, which the city’s director of public works “corrected as soon as possible.” At least one fire hydrant near the scene was covered with a bag that said “hydrant out of service.”‘
“We had one that was hit by a vehicle,” Anderson said. “They’re hard hydrants to work on because they’re on state-maintained roads so you have to get permits.”
The city sent an email to residents around 11 a.m. saying the fire is having “lingering effects.”
“Many residents have or are experiencing issues with floating ash debris, air quality and dirty water,” wrote spokeswoman Trish Newcomer. “The community may continue to experience some of these concerns.”
Air quality is being monitored by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Newcomer said, “but there are no concerns from hazardous chemicals.”
She recommended residents close windows and turn off HVAC units to prevent smoke and soot from entering homes. For those experiencing “dirty water,” she recommended turning on an outside spigot and letting the water run until it clears.
This is a developing story. Check back with delawareonline.com for more information.
Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on Sussex County, Delaware, and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com and on Twitter @marvelmcnaught
