West Chester Native, Firefighter Severely Injured In Del. Blaze

WEST CHESTER, PA — A West Chester native and firefighter was severely injured while battling a blaze at a home in Delaware Thursday morning.

The incident occurred at around 8:30 a.m. at a home in Mill Creek, which is located in Delaware's New Castle County.

David Smiley Jr., 24, a West Chester native and firefighter with Minquas Fire Co. in Newport, was bringing a line up to the second floor when the floor gave way beneath him, sending him crashing to the ground.

A mayday was called, and crews were able to rescue Smiley from the home.

According to updates from his family, Smiley suffered second and third degree burns on about 10 percent of his body, including his ankles, hands, neck, ears, stomach, and back.

Once hospitalized at Crozier Chester Medical Center, he was intubated as his doctors looked at his airway. On Thursday night, his family said they planned to wean him off of the ventilator.

Though he appears to be improving from critical condition, Smiley still faces a long road to recovery. Tributes flowed in from first responders around the region who learned of his heroism, and spoke glowingly of his character and devotion to his work.

His father said he had received hundreds of calls and texts, and he thanked medical personnel and first responders for their work.

The fire was ultimately brought under control, and no one else was injured. A cat was reportedly rescued.

It is believed to be accidental in nature.