In Holly Oak,  Brandywine Hundred, Delaware, on Friday, March 5, 2004 at 17:49 hours New Castle County Fireboard dispatched Claymont Fire Company for a Building Fire at 303 E. Holly Oak Road. 
 

Deputy Chief Jack Anderson of the Claymont Fire Company and the first arriving engine (Engine 132) arrived at 1754 hours. Deputy Chief Anderson reported heavy fire from the second floor of the 3-story Victorian apartment house. Engine 132 and 135 went to work with an aggressive interior attack and search.  Talleyville Fire Company’s Engines 253 and Brandywine Hundred Fire Company’s Ladder 11 were the next to arrive. Wilmington Fire Departments Battalion Chief Farren and Ladder 1 assisted Claymont firefighters opening the roof area.  Additional units were requested to assist in the operation, due to the intensity of the fire. Over 60 firefighters from Claymont, Brandywine Hundred, Talleyville, Wilmington Fire Department, Lower Chichester, Holly Terrace Minquas Fire Companies brought the fire under control in less than 30 minutes.  There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. The Red Cross was called to relocate 3 adults.

 

The fire was contained to heavy fire and smokes damage on the 2nd floor side and rear, there was fire extension into the attic area. Deputy Chief Anderson placed it under control at 1830 hours. Fire units remained on scene until 2002 hours completing overhaul and assisting the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office. The cause and origin are under investigation by the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office.