The fire that killed two Wilmington Fire Department firefighters was intentionally set by one of the home’s residents, authorities said.
Beatriz Fana-Ruiz, 27, was arrested Thursday and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree arson, four counts of assault of a first responder and seven counts of reckless endangerment.
The fire broke out at approximately 3 a.m. Saturday on Lakeview Drive in Wilmington’s Canby Park neighborhood. Once firefighters made entry, the floor collapsed, trapping three firefighters in the basement.
Lt. Christopher Leach and Senior Firefighter Jerry Fickes died as a result of their injuries. Two others, Ardythe Hope and Brad Speakman, were injured.
Fickes was also a member of Newark’s Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder Co.