The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating last night’s fire in Newark that left one dead and heavily damaged a townhouse, according to Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio.
Chionchio said the Christiana Fire Company was dispatched to a house on fire around 10:00 pm in the 100 block of Council Circle in the Village of Tahoe neighborhood off Salem Church Road.
While en route crews learned that the fire, first reported as a porch fire, was upgraded to a large fire on the back of the home. Crews also learned that an elderly woman lived in the home, however, it was not clear if she was home.
First arriving crews confirmed that fire was showing from the back of the home and began a search of the home. As crews began their search they reported fire through the roof. During the search, crews located one person deceased inside the home.
State fire investigators are currently on the scene searching for the fire’s origin and cause. Chionchio said the Delaware Division of Forensic Science will conduct an autopsy to provide positive identification of the victim and cause of death.
Heavy fire damage is estimated at $200,000. There were no other reported injuries.
