Cutting Torch Ruins Remodeling Plan
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BATT. CHIEF
Photo by John J. Jankowski, Jr.
Fire caused by a cutting torch resulted in the destruction of a four-story factory being converted into apartments in Wilmington, Del. The fast-spreading blaze created exposure problems that necessitated calling for mutual aid.
The temperature was well into the 90s accompanied by extremely high humidity when an alarm at 9:36 a.m. last June 28 sent three engine companies, a 100-foot aerial ladder company, a rescue squad, and two battalion chiefs to the Rhoades Leather Company factory on the northwest side of the city. The brick and heavy titnber factory dated back to the early 1900s.
Founded in the early 1700s, the Rhoades Leather Company claims to be the oldest family-owned business in the United States. The company moved its operations to Newark, Del., not long ago.
Fire on all floors
The first companies to arrive saw heavy smoke and fire emerging from all floors. Within minutes, Chief of Fire Jerome M. Donohue placed special calls for two more engine companies and then ordered the second alarm struck.
The second alarm brought in another engine, a 100-foot aerial ladder and a second rescue company. It also triggered the recall of an off-duty shift.
All incoming companies were instructed to begin or assist in ladder pipe and deluge operations. The fire building itself was completely involved and collapse was imminent.
Exposure problem
The exposure problems resulting from this fire were tremendous from the start. Directly across the street to the north was an auto body shop, new car showroom and service area. To the east, across another street, were more auto shops. Immediately to the west of the body shop was a dwelling. Although companies at the scene were already protecting the immediate exposures, the amount of heat generated and substantial winds made even remote exposures a source of concern.
Three more special calls brought in two additional engine companies and an 85-foot elevating platform company. Since this put all of Wilmington’s apparatus on the fireground, a request was made to activate the New Castle County reciprocal aid plan. County companies from Elsmere, Cranston Heights, Talleyville, Brandywine Hundred, Millcreek, Minquadale, Hockessin, Minquas, Holloway Terrace, and Claymont were relocated to Wilmington’s stations. In addition, William Bell, New Castle County Fireboard’s chief dispatcher, and members of his staff responded to set up county communications in the Wilmington communications unit.
The heat was so intense that it was necessary to use booster lines to spray both fire fighters and apparatus. One county and two Wilmington engines were deployed to extinguish exposure fires.
Ember patrol
Numerous grass and roof fires were reported as far as four blocks from the fire building. More than 170 autos, including over 25 Cadillacs in a storage lot three blocks from the fire.
Because of the hot, humid weather, personnel on the scene required relief after even brief exposures to any arduous tasks being done. Numerous fire fighters were treated on the fireground for heat prostration and exhaustion. However, only one fire fighter required hospitalization, and his injuries proved not to be serious.
The fire was declared under control two hours after the initial dispatch. The Wilmington Fire Marshal’s Office reported that the fire was caused by the ignition of natural gas in a 1-inch gas line by an oxygen/propane cutting torch. The building was being converted into an apartment complex, and a worker was dismantling this gas line, which he thought was free of gas.
Damage was estimated at $350,000.
