The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal has determined that this afternoon’s fire at a Milton, Delaware business was accidental, according to Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio.
Chionchio said the blaze, reported shortly after 2:00 pm, occurred at Snookie’s Speed Parts located in the 12000 block of Coastal Highway. The Milton Fire Department along with nearby mutual aid fire companies fought the fire.
Crews arriving on scene confirmed a working structure fire and began their attack on the blaze. Multiple tankers from surrounding companies were requested by Command to supply water for the fire.
After about an hour and a half, crews were able to knock the bulk of the fire down and placed the fire under control at 3:47. Crews worked for just over three hours before clearing the scene.
State fire investigators said the fire originated inside the building near a heater. Items placed too close to the heater ignited sparking the blaze, said Chionchio. Heavy fire damage was estimated at $150,000.
Coastal Highway (Route 1) SB was closed while crews worked to extinguish the fire.
No injuries were reported.
