[MSN] Fire damages Delaware's Old State House

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Fire damages Delaware's Old State House

  By J.L. MILLER
The News Journal

05/22/2006
DOVER -- Fire broke out this morning in Dover's historic Old State House,
damaging the 214-year-old structure's roof and sending firefighters
streaming to The Green to battle the smoky blaze. One person was injured.

The building is in the second year of a renovation and rehabilitation
project, and the injured person was working in the building at the time of
the blaze, state Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs Director
Timothy A. Slavin said at the scene.

"Obviously our first concern right now is for his safety," Slavin said. The
worker was taken to Dover's Kent General Hospital. His identity was not
immediately available, Slavin said, adding that welding and other sources of
flame are prohibited during the renovation.

The paintings and other artifacts that are displayed in the Old State House
had been removed for the renovation, Slavin said, and the fire apparently
was confined to the attic on the east side of the building. Firefighters
chopped a hole through the roof and removed shingles to gain access to the
fire.

The blaze was reported shortly before 9 a.m., when workers spotted smoke
rolling out from the roof.

"The Dover Fire Department has done their usual outstanding job," Slavin
said.

The Old State House was built in 1792, and served as Delaware's capitol for
141 years until 1933. Legislative Hall now houses the General Assembly, but
the Old State House occasionally is used for ceremonial purposes and is
operated as a museum by Historical and Cultural Affairs.

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