The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal has determined that this morning’s fire in Newark, Delaware that heavily damaged a townhouse was accidental, according to Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio.
Chionchio said the blaze, reported shortly after 10:00 am, occurred in the unit block of Waltham Street – Kimberton. The Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company arrived on the scene with a fire visible on the first floor.
State fire investigators were called to the scene to conduct the investigation. The fire started inside the first-floor living room when an electrical power cord to a portable space heater failed, igniting a couch.
A 38-year-old female occupant was removed from the home and transported to the Christiana Hospital Emergency Room suffering smoke inhalation. She is listed in critical condition.
Heavy fire damage is estimated at $150,000. The dwelling was not equipped with operating smoke alarms.
Breaking Report
Newark – Just after 10:00 this morning, firefighters from the Aetna Hose, Hook, and Ladder Fire Company, along with crews from the Christiana Fire Company, Minquas, Mill Creek and New Castle County Paramedics responded to to the unit block of Waltham Street for reports of a house fire with a person trapped.
Upon their arrival, firefighters reported fire showing from a first-floor window. As firefighters made their way around to the back of the burning structure they noticed a woman hanging out the second-floor window.
The woman was quickly rescued and transported to Christiana Hospital with undetermnined injuries.
A cat, injured in the fire, was also treated at the scene before being transporting to a nearby veterinary hospital.