05/17/2026
INCIDENT TYPE: 2nd Alarm Structure Fire
LOCATION: West 9th & North Franklin Streets
DATE: May 17, 2026
TIME: 0300 Hours
Wilmington Firefighters were dispatched to the intersection of West 9th Street & North Franklin Street for a report of a church on fire. Battalion Chief Laurence Hinds arrived on scene reporting heavy fire showing from the building. Due to the extensive fire conditions, a defensive attack was ordered and all arriving units were ordered to attack the fire from the exterior. A second alarm was quickly transmitted, bringing all remaining on duty Wilmington firefighters to the scene, along with assistance from several New Castle County departments. Heat and embers were severely exposing several residences in the 1200 block of West 9th Street as well as the 800 block of North Harrison Street. These dwellings were evacuated for a brief period, though no fire extended to these homes, and residents have since been allowed to return home. Firefighters worked for over 90 minutes to bring the flames under control. The church suffered extensive fire damage and the remaining structure is structurally unstable, preventing firefighters from entering the building until a professional evaluation is completed of the remaining structure. Two firefighters received minor injuries, no civilians were injured. The Wilmington Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the fire.
Approximately 75 fire and EMS personnel responded to the fire. The following units responded: Engine 1, Engine 6, Engine 5; Squad 4; Ladder 2, Ladder 1; Battalion Chief 2, Battalion Chief 1; Ambulance 1; New Castle County Paramedics. 2nd Alarm: Engine 2, Engine 3, Elsmere Engine 16, Five Points Engine 17; Talleyville Ladder 25; Wilmington Manor Ladder 28; Christiana Tower 12, Good Will Tower 18; Cranston Heights Rescue 14; Battalion Chief 4, Battalion Chief 5. Mill Creek Engine 21, Claymont Engine 13 and Delaware City Quint 15 covered empty city fire stations during the height of the incident.