Officials: Parishioners Escape $300,000 Church Fire In New Castle On Sunday

The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating this afternoon’s building fire that damaged a New Castle, Delaware church, according to Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio.

Chionchio said the blaze, reported shortly after 4:00 pm, occurred at the Coleman Memorial United Methodist Church located in the 400 block of Anderson Drive in the Dunleith subdivision. The Minquadale Fire Company arrived on the scene with smoke coming from the building. Several mutual aid fire companies also responded and assisted in the suppression of the fire.

State fire investigators were called to the scene and are currently searching for the fire’s origin and cause. The church was occupied by a few parishioners prior to the discovery of the fire. Everyone was able to escape without injury, said Chionchio.

Investigators said heavy fire damage was estimated at $300,000. There were no reported injuries.

Anyone with information pertaining to this fire is asked to contact fire investigators at the State Fire Marshal’s – New Castle Division at (302) 323-5375 or [email protected]

Breaking Report

New Castle – Firefighters from across New Castle County have responded to Coleman Methodist Church, located at 465 Anderson Drive, fro reports of smoke coming from the building.

First arriving crews have reported smoke showing upon arrival. Crews have also reported fire in the attic.

An initial search of the building for occupants has met with negative results. No one is inside.

New Castle County Medics and the Fire Marshal have also responded to the scene.

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