A smoke alarm detected this morning’s fire in Marydel, Delaware waking the sleeping residents, according to Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio.
Chionchio said the blaze, reported shortly before 3:30 am, occurred in the 3800 block of Sandy Bend Road just east of Marydel. The Marydel Fire Company responded to the house fire along with mutual aid fire companies. Two occupants were transported to the Bayhealth Hospital – Kent Campus suffering from smoke inhalation. The 73-year-old male and 73-year-old female were in good condition.
Deputy fire marshals conducted the investigation and determined that the fire was caused by a malfunction inside the chimney for a wood stove. The embers ignited surrounding structural wood framing for the roof.
Fire damage was estimated at $25,000.