Wilmington, DE (May 6, 2025) – A residential fire in the Richardson Park area of Wilmington left one man hospitalized on Saturday morning, May 3. The incident occurred just before noon in the 300 block of Matthes Avenue, prompting a rapid response from emergency crews.
At approximately 11:48 a.m., firefighters arrived on the scene and observed smoke coming from the second floor of the residence. A man in his 50s was seen hanging out of a front second-story bedroom window, trapped by the growing fire. Firefighters quickly launched a rescue operation and successfully removed the victim from the home. Emergency medical personnel treated the man on-site before transporting him via ambulance to Christiana Hospital, where he is being treated for smoke inhalation.
The fire was brought under control within ten minutes, and the scene was officially declared under control at 12:04 p.m. Fire crews remained at the location to ensure no hot spots remained and to support the ongoing investigation. Traffic in the surrounding area was temporarily redirected while authorities managed the scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the fire marshals.
Our thoughts are with the injured individual during their recovery.
Injury Fire Accidents in Wilmington: Frequency, Risks & Legal Questions
Fire-related injuries remain a pressing public safety concern in Wilmington and across Delaware. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, Delaware reported over 600 residential structure fires in 2023, with dozens resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Wilmington, being one of the most densely populated areas in the state, frequently sees incidents involving apartment buildings, row homes, and single-family residences, many of which are older structures with outdated wiring or heating systems. Smoke inhalation is the leading cause of injury or death in residential fires, often affecting victims within just minutes of exposure.
Many residents have questions about their legal rights after suffering injuries in a fire. One of the most common concerns is whether someone can file a personal injury claim if the fire was caused by negligence, such as a landlord failing to maintain smoke detectors or faulty electrical work done by an unlicensed contractor. In these cases, injury victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney can help determine liability and pursue damages through insurance claims or civil litigation.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious fire accident locally, our caring Wilmington personal injury attorney at Murphy & Landon is ready to take on your case. With an unwavering commitment to client advocacy and a long track record of success, we provide top-notch legal representation to individuals injured due to negligence.
To speak with our legal team about your serious Wilmington fire accident, call Murphy & Landon at (302) 472-8112 to schedule a complimentary consultation. Our trained lawyers are here to defend your rights and will not stop until we collect compensation for your injuries.
Note: Our law firm utilizes secondary sources to create this post. The facts surrounding this specific accident have not been independently verified. Contact Murphy & Landon if you locate any inaccurate information. We will update the post right away to reflect the most accurate information available.
Disclaimer: None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. This is not a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, get medical attention as soon as possible. The photo used in this post was not taken at the accident scene.
