A fast-moving fire spread through the popular Market Street in Wilmington, Delaware on Sunday afternoon. NBC10 Delaware Bureau Reporter Tim Furlong spoke to one family who lost everything in the fire.
Firefighters battled a large fire at a building in downtown Wilmington, Delaware.
The two-alarm fire started at a sneaker store on 405 North Market Street at 2:10 p.m. Sunday. Around 60 firefighters and EMS workers from several companies responded to the scene as thick, heavy black smoke blanketed the area.
"It seemed surreal when I came out," said George Jones, the owner of the nearby D&H Restaurant. "End of days type scenario. It was crazy. It was crazy."
Firefighters first tried to battle the blaze inside the building but realized they had to take the fight outdoors instead.
"Fire conditions were overwhelming," said Wilmington Fire Chief Michael Donohue. "All members were evacuated and we went with basically a defensive exterior attack."
Firefighters were able to place the blaze under control at 5:32 p.m. The sneaker store is a total loss and the fire also damaged several other businesses and apartment units. While no injuries were reported the Red Cross is assisting five adults.
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"As soon as the cop was banging on the door he wouldn't even let us grab extra stuff," said Stacy O'Dell who was forced to evacuate her apartment due to the fire. "He was just like, 'Come on! Let's go! You guys gotta go!'"
The area along 400 North Market Street is currently closed off to traffic and officials are asking residents to avoid the area, even during Monday's morning commute. They continue to investigate the cause of the fire.
