The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office investigated a house fire that occurred on yesterday, February 7, 2019, in Milford.
Last night at 11:27, firefighters from the Carlisle Fire Company responded to the 4300 block of McColley Road, just off of Cedar Beach Road for reports of a fire.
Upon their arrival, crews reported heavy fire involving the two-story structure, and immediately requested assistance from neighboring fire companies.
The occupant of the house discovered the fire and escaped with minor injuries. He was transported to Bayhealth Sussex Campus and treated and released for 1st-degree burns to his hands and face.
Two firefighters also sustained minor injuries during suppression operations and were also treated and released at the same hospital.
The fire, reported by a neighbor, was placed under control at 12:43 am.
Deputy State Fire Marshal’s responded to the scene to conduct the investigation into the cause of the fire.
The investigation determined the fire originated on the first floor of the home and was caused when a failure occurred in an operating liquid-fueled space heater.
It is not known at this time if the home was equipped with working smoke detectors.
The Red Cross of Delmarva is assisting the home’s occupants. Damages are estimated at $70,000.
Agencies that responded to the scene included the Carlisle Fire Company, Houston Vol. Fire Co., Memorial Fire Co., Ellendale Fire Co., Sussex County EMS, Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office, Red Cross of Delmarva.