The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal has determined that this morning’s fire in Bear, Delaware that destroyed an apartment building was deliberately started, according to Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio.
Chionchio said the blaze, reported shortly after 6:00 am, occurred in the 2900 block of Squirrel Drive in the Fox Run Apartment complex. The Christiana Fire Company arrived on the scene with flames engulfing the three story occupied dwelling.
State Fire Marshal deputies found that the fire was intentionally started and have taken one subject into custody without incident. Teresa C. Iocco, 37, of Bear, DE has been arrested by Deputy
fire marshals and charged with Arson in the 1st degree and 3 counts of Reckless Endangering in the 1st degree, according to Chionchio. All charges are felonies.
She is waiting for her arraignment in the Justice of the Peace Magistrate Court later today.
Twenty four apartment units were damaged. Twelve of those units were badly damaged and will not be able to be reoccupied. The total number of displaced residents is not known at this time.
The management of the complex is working on relocating those residents. Heavy fire damage is expected to exceed $1,000,000. There were no reported injuries. The American Red Cross is assisting with recovery efforts.
Original Story
The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating this morning’s fire in Bear, Delaware that destroyed an apartment building, according to Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio.
Chionchio said the blaze, reported shortly after 6:00 am, occurred in the 2900 block of Squirrel Drive in the Fox Run Apartment complex near Route 40 and Wrangle Hill Road. The Christiana Fire Company arrived on the scene with flames engulfing the three story occupied dwelling.
State Fire Marshal investigators are on the scene searching for the fire’s origin and cause. Twenty four apartment units were damaged. Twelve of those units were badly damaged and will not be able to be reoccupied. The total number of displaced residents is not known at this time. The management of the complex is working on relocating those residents, said Chionchio.
Heavy fire damage is expected to exceed $1,000,000. There were no reported injuries.
The American Red Cross is assisting with recovery efforts. This investigation continues.
Breaking Report
Bear- Just after 6:00 this morning firefighters from across New Castle County responded to the Fox Run Apartments on Squirrel Lane for reports of fire.
The fire, original called out as an outside fire with exposure to a building, quickly spread to the the backside of an apartment building.
As crews worked to battle the blaze the roof partially collapsed sending debris to the ground. Crews worked to contain the blazed but the fire ran along the attic, setting a second building on fire.
As the fire spread, Command quickly struck a second alarm, ultimately striking a 4th alarm before the incident was placed under control.
Crews remain on scene while fire marshals investigate what caused the blaze.
Both buildings have sustained heavy damage.
It’s unclear how many residents will be displace at this stage.
No injuries have been reported at this time.
Developing
