2 days ago
Rooftop fire strikes Main Event entertainment center in Christiana. Fireworks suspected
Fireworks may have started a fire at the Main Event entertainment complex in Christiana early in the morning of July 5, according to fire officials.
The building, located at 2900 Fashion Center Blvd., was reported for an emergency fire dispatch at 5:15 a.m.
At 5:56 a.m., a Christiana Fire Company crew, along with some aiding Delaware fire companies, arrived at what was reported as a "structural fire." A column of black smoke was rising from the building's roof, Chief Al Huelsenbeck said.
The crew quickly got the roof's situation under control, Huelsenbeck said.
However, the crew stayed for over two hours because of concern about the spread of the fire into the rest of the building.
"That type of roof deck fire can be significant in flat-roof buildings," he said. "We needed to make sure it was under control."
The blaze caused an estimated $500,000 in total damages, with water and smoke damage included, fire officials said.
Main Event was closed for the day. Information about the reopening was unavailable.
The Edge fitness club, next door to Main Event, remained open.
The fire is under investigation by the Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office to determine the cause. However, Huelsenbeck said that "there was physical evidence indicating that fireworks could've been a contributing factor."
Huelsenbeck pointed to the fireworks as a consistent danger throughout the evening of July 4. According to the chief, it was the second fire in the Christiana area that may have been related to fireworks that night, with numerous fires in dumpsters, parks and open areas.
"People have to realize the danger," Huelsenbeck said. 'Those who choose to use a heavy-caliber type of firework take the risk of taking their house or their neighbor's house."
Those with more information can contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal by calling 302-323-5375 or emailing
Adam Denn is an intern for Delaware Online/The News Journal. You can reach him at ADenn@
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Fire at Main Event in Christiana may have been started by fireworks
