Wilmington community seeks help for families displaced by Saturday’s fatal fire

In the wake of a fatal fire in Wilmington, several community members are coming together to help the residents affected.

“In the midst of the storm, Wilmington always shows how strong we are,” said Wilmington City Councilwoman Sherry Dorsey Walker.

Dorsey Walker is among leaders at Bayard Middle School that have initiated a clothing drive to help the families displaced by Saturday’s fire. Three children attended the school.

“We have three displaced families as a result of the fire. They are in need of clothing. Two families will ultimately need shelter. We are receiving donations at Bayard Middle School through the Guidance Counselor Mrs. Karen Knight,” Dorsey Walker said. She stressed all clothing items and sizes are needed for the children and adults.

On Saturday, the Wilmington Fire Department lost two firefighters, Chris Leach and Jerry Fickes in a blaze that started in a home on Lake View Drive.

“Wilmington has experienced a tremendous loss because two firefighters paid the ultimate sacrifice for our communities,” Dorsey Walker said.

According to officials, arriving firefighters became trapped in the home when the first floor collapsed into the basement. Several firefighters were injured and two remain hospitalized.

People are also encouraged to help the families of the firefighters. Those donations can be made to the Wilmington Fire Department.