The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s office has determined that Wednesday afternoon’s building fire in New Castle was Arson, according to Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Robert Fox.
Fox said the Wilmington Manor Fire Company was alerted to a fire in the 1500 block of New Jersey Avenue, in The Hampton Walk apartment complex, shortly after 4:00 pm. Fire apparatus arrived and found a fire in a laundry room building for the apartment complex.
State Fire Investigators were called to the scene and conducted an investigation. Investigators determined that the fire originated in the laundry room of the building and was intentionally started, said Fox. Deputy Fire Marshals, assisted by New Castle County Police, arrested Joseph Talamo, 73, and charged him with Arson 3rd degree. The defendant was arraigned and released on his own recognizance pending a future court appearance.
No one was injured in the fire. The fire caused approximately $3500 damage to the building
Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Robert Fox