Firefighter out of hospital after 6 weeks

WILMINGTON, Del. (WTXF/AP) - One of the Wilmington firefighters critically injured in a fire that killed two of the city's bravest was released from the hospital after six weeks, Thursday morning.

Brad Speakman left Crozer Chester Medical Center in Chester, where he'd been since suffering burns to more than 30 percent of his body while fighting an overnight house fire on Sept. 24 in 1900 block of Lakeview Road.

Speakman was given a firefighter and public safety escort. Wilmington Fire Department Chief Anthony Goode called the occasion encouraging and joyous.

Two other firefighters -- Lt. Christopher Leach and Sr. Firefighter Jerry Fickes Jr. -- were killed after the first floor of the burning rowhome collapsed, trapping them in the basement.

Senior Firefighter Ardythe Hope remains in critical condition after suffering burns to more than 70 percent of her body.

Lt. John Cawthray and Sr. Firefighter Terence Tate were also injured.

The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal arrested Beatriz Fana-Ruiz, 27. She is the daughter of the homeowner and a temporary resident.

Fana-Ruiz faces these felony charges:
- 2 counts of first-degree murder
- 4 counts of second-degree assault
- 1 count of first-degree arson
- 7 counts of first-degree reckless endangering