Wilmington firefighters Lieutenant Christopher M. Leach, 41, and Senior Firefighter Jerry W. Fickes, 51, were also killed in the fire and Firefighter Brad Speakman, who has since been released from the hospital, was seriously injured.
The family in the home at the time of the fire, including six children, managed to escape through the back of the residence. One of those residents, Beatrice Fana-Ruiz, the daughter of the homeowner, has been charged with arson and murder for intentionally setting the fire.
The family in the home at the time of the fire, including six children, managed to escape through the back of the residence. One of those residents, Beatrice Fana-Ruiz, the daughter of the homeowner, has been charged with arson and murder for intentionally setting the fire.
Our condolences to the Hope Family & Friends, Wilmington Fire Department, and to all affected by Senior Firefighter Ardythe “Ardy” Hope’s passing.
To date, 79 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016. Yea-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
