The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal has determined that the fire that heavily damaged a Middletown house was accidental, according to Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio.
Chionchio said the blaze, reported shortly before 2:00 pm, occurred in the 300 block of Ellenwood Drive in the Parkside development. The Volunteer Hose Company along with mutual aid from several surrounding companies arrived on the scene with flames coming from the house.
Deputy fire marshals were called to the scene to investigate the fire’s origin and cause. The fire originated inside the basement of the two-story dwelling. Sparks from a metal cutting power saw ignited available combustibles next to the saw.
During the fire, a brief MAYDAY was declared when a firefighter fell through the floor into the basement. Radio reports indicate that the firefighter was immediately removed from the home. New Castle County Paramedics Spokeswoman Senior Sergeant Abigail Haas said the firefighter was not injured.
Haas said a second firefighter was transported by paramedics to a local hospital following overhaul operations due to a medical complaint and is listed in stable condition.
Chionchio said smoke alarms activated and all occupants were able to escape without injury.
Heavy fire damage was estimated at $200,000.
