The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal has determined that the two-alarm apartment building fire in Bear, Delaware this evening was accidental, according to Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio.
Chionchio said the blaze, reported shortly before 9:00 pm, occurred at the Rockwood Apartments, 2500 Cindy Drive near Route 40. The Christiana Fire Company arrived on the scene with an active fire on the exterior of the occupied apartment building.
State fire marshal deputies were called to the scene to conduct the investigation into the fire’s origin and cause. The fire started on the exterior side of the three-story building when cigarettes ignited landscaping near the exterior of the building. Bushes and mulch propelled the flames to ignite the building’s exterior siding. The flames burned up the building into the attic area.
Four people were examined for injuries at the scene. Two people were transported to the Christiana Hospital Emergency Room suffering from smoke inhalation. All patients were in stable condition.
Heavy fire damage is estimated at $150,000. Six apartment units were damaged. Fifteen people have been displaced. The American Red Cross is assisting those in need.