Arrest made in fire that killed two Wilmington firefighters

WILMINGTON (WTXF) - An arrest has been made in the fire that took the lives of two Wilmington firefighters last weekend.

According to a press release from the Wilmington Fire Department, 27 year old Beatriz Fana-Ruiz of 1927 Lakeview Road has been arrested and charged in the incident that took place on September 24. She was temporarily living at the home.

Fana-Ruiz is charged with two counts of murder in the first degree, for the deaths of Lt. Christopher Leach and Senior Firefighter Jerry Fickes, four counts of assault in the second degree, for the injuries to Lt. John Cawthray, Senior Firefighter Ardythe Hope, Senior Firefighter Terence Tate, and Firefighter Brad Speakman, one count of first degree arson, and seven counts of reckless endangering in the first degree.

According to a press release, at 2:54 a.m. Saturday fire crews responded to a fire on the 1900 block of Lakeview Road. When they arrived, a report of heavy fire was transmitted and additional crews were dispatched.

At 3:14 a.m., crews declared a "Mayday" and additional crews were directed to assist the firefighters that were trapped.

The press release states that firefighters were on the first floor of the home when the floor collapsed, trapping them in the basement. Multiple units attempted search and rescue for the trapped firefighters.

In addition to the two fatalities, four other firefighters were injured during the fire.