Wilmington Fire Dept. identifies two firefighters killed battling Wilmington row home fire

WILMINGTON, DE (WTXF) - Officials have identified the two firefighters who died following an overnight house fire in Wilmington, Delaware Saturday.  Several others were also injured in the fire.

Lieutenant Christopher Leach, 41, and Senior Firefighter Jerry Fickes, 51, have been identified as the fallen firefighters.

According to a press release, at 2:54 a.m. fire crews responded to a fire on the 1900 block of Lakeview Road. When they arrived, a report of heavy fire was transmitted and additional crews were dispatched.

At 3:14 a.m., crews declared a "Mayday" and additional crews were directed to assist the firefighters that were trapped.

The press release states that firefighters were on the first floor of the home when the floor collapsed, trapping them in the basement. Multiple units attempted search and rescue for the trapped firefighters.

In addition to the two fatalities, four other firefighters were injured during the fire. Two were taken to Crozer Burn Center Upland Pennsylvania. 

One has been released from Christiana Hospital, while another remains.

The fire has since been placed under control, and the investigation into the cause is ongoing.

Neighbors say a family of four lives in the home.