Milford – The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office has determined a house fire that occurred shortly after 11:00am in Milford was accidental in nature. The fire was reported by one of the home’s occupants on Wednesday, November 15th at 11:20 am in the 400 block of South Washington St. in Milford, DE.
The Carlisle Fire Co responded to the call and arrived with heavy fire and smoke coming from the first floor of the home. Firefighters initially made entry into the home to suppress the fire, but due to deteriorating conditions inside, were forced to evacuate. Minutes after firefighters evacuated the structure, the home began to collapse.
Assistance was immediately requested with Houston, Frederica, Harrington, Ellendale, and Greenwood Fire Companies responding. The fire was placed under control shortly after 1:00 pm with no injuries reported.
Deputy Fire Marshals responded to the scene to conduct an investigation into the cause of the fire. Deputy Fire Marshals determined the fire originated in the first floor living room and was caused by an operating electric space heater igniting combustible materials that were too close.
The home was not equipped with operating smoke detectors. The Red Cross of Delmarva is assisting the occupants of the home, with damages listed at $100,000.