Collins Park – The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal has determined that a fire that seriously injured a New Castle, Delaware man was accidental, according to Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael G. Chionchio.
Chionchio said the blaze, reported shortly after 9:00 am, occurred in the 200 block of Keiser Place in the Collins Park subdivision near New Castle Avenue. The Holloway Terrace Fire Company arrived on the scene with smoke pouring from the one story house.
State fire investigators were called to the scene. The fire began inside a bedroom when a 63-year-old male attempted to ignite a cigarette while being treated by oxygen, said Chionchio. The burst of flame burned the victim’s face and ignited bedding materials. He was rushed to the Christiana Hospital’s Emergency Room with 2nd degree burns and will be admitted to the Crozer Medical Center – Burn Unit in Upland, Pennsylvania in serious condition.
Heavy fire damage was estimated at $75,000. A working smoke alarm alerted another resident in the home to the fire and the injured man, said Chionchio.
Original Breaking Report
Collins Park – Fire crews, along with New Castle County Police are responding to the 200 block of Keiser Place for reports of a house on fire.
Reports from the scene indicate that County Police are reporting smoke showing and that one person has been injured.
Arriving fire crews have found fire in a back bedroom and are working to knock the fire down.
Developing