Lewes captain ID'd as oil tank explosion victim

The 21-year-old who received burns on a majority of his body after an explosion Tuesday has been identified as a captain with the Lewes Fire Department, according to the department's website.

On Wednesday, Glenn Marshall, public information officer for the Lewes Fire Department, confirmed Capt. Jake Slater was involved in the explosion.

Slater was working at Delmarva Petroleum when he tried to cut open a waste oil tank with a chop saw, according to a press release from the Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office.

A spark from the saw ignited vapors in the tank, causing a flash fire, Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Harry Miller said.

Slater received first- and second-degree burns, Miller said on Tuesday. Sussex County EMS treated him at the scene.

The Lewes captain was then transported to Beebe Medical Center where he was treated before being transferred to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, Marshall said.

“This is going to be a long ordeal," Marshall said Wednesday. "The burns affect 70 percent of his body, but he’s in good care. The next 72 hours are key. We’re just trying to take care of his family so that they can be with him.”

Delmarva Petroleum is located in the 9000 block of Clendaniel Pond Road in Lincoln.

"Jake has a long hard recovery in front of him so please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers," the Lewes Fire Department's website reads. "We will provide updates throughout his recovery. The family and Lewes Fire Department thank everyone that has already reached out in support."

The Ellendale Volunteer Fire Company was assisted by the Milton Volunteer Fire Company in containing the blaze. Fire damage is estimated at $1,000.

The News Journal's Alonzo Small contributed to this report.