Four hospitalized for smoke inhalation after Wilmington fire

Four people were taken to the hospital early Tuesday morning after a fire broke out in a bedroom in a Wilmington home, according to a fire department official.

Wilmington firefighters responded to 524 South Franklin Street shortly after 5 a.m. and deployed hand lines to the second floor where the fire was, according to Battalion Chief John Looney. Smoke was showing when firefighters arrived, he said.

Firefighters found no one inside when they searched the structure, Looney said. The fire was put under control around 5:25 a.m., Looney said.

A 70-year-old man, a 9-year-old, an 11-year-old and a 12-year-old all were taken to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation, Looney said. Two other adults living in the building declined transportation to the hospital for treatment, Looney said.

The fire was contained to the bedroom where it originated, Looney said, though the flames gutted the room. The adjacent structures weren't damaged, he said. The structure where the fire started was deemed uninhabitable after the fire was put out.

The American Red Cross is providing shelter for the displaced, Looney said. 

Contact Adam Duvernay at (302) 319-1855 or aduvernay@delawareonline.com