Officials Investigating Fatal Saturday Afternoon House Fire

The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating yesterday’s house fire in Hartly where one person was found deceased inside the home according to Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio.

Chionchio said the Hartly Volunteer Fire Company responded to the 800 block of Britney Lane near Halltown Road shortly before 3:00 pm for a house on fire.

While en route crews learned that callers were reporting that fire and smoke were coming from the home with possibly one person trapped inside the home. Firefighters arrived on the scene and confirmed smoke was pouring from the one-story house. Crews reported heavy smoke inside the home.

A 66-year-old man was pulled from the home, however, he was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Delaware Division of Forensic Science will conduct an autopsy.

State fire investigators called to the scene will determine the fire’s origin and cause said Chionchio.

Heavy fire damage was estimated at $50,000. There were no other reported injuries.

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