Dover Fire Department officials say parts of Legislative Hall suffered heavy damage in a Wednesday afternoon blaze.
“There is extensive damage on the north side of the building from the basement to the attic. We have not yet determined the cause of the fire. The fire marshall is still investigating," said Dover Fire Chief Mike Hall.
Hall says crews from several neighboring fire companies helped contain the flames by about 4:30 p.m.
Dozens of volunteer firefighters responded around 2:15 p.m. to the smoke-filled capitol building after state workers were evacuated.
Officials say the flames spread from a generator in the basement to the second floor through a ventilation shaft, but haven't officially determined the cause or origin point.
Hall adds there's fire damage on the second floor and in the basement, water damage to the first floor and attic and structural damage on the roof.
"We covered a lot of offices with our tarps to try to limit the water damage from those offices. However, it's going to be, in my opinion, an extensive clean-up," said Hall.
Some of the oldest portraits of past governors line the north side of the second floor corridor.
Hall says those and others have been covered or removed as firefighters work to remove smoke and water. He expects the cleanup will be extensive
State officials say Legislative Hall will be closed tomorrow.
One Capitol Police officer was taken to Kent General Hospital to get treated for smoke inhalation. There's no word on his condition.