The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating a Sunday afternoon fire east of Dover where one person was found deceased, according to Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio.
Chionchio said the blaze, reported shortly after 4:00 pm, occurred in the unit block of Tenth Street near Pickering Beach Road. The Little Creek Volunteer Fire Company arrived on the scene with flames engulfing a house trailer. A 61-year-old male occupant was deceased. A 67-year-old female sustained smoke inhalation and was in stable condition at Bayhealth Hospital – Kent Campus.
State fire investigators are investigating the fire’s origin and cause. Chionchio said the house trailer was heavily damaged with an estimated $20,000 in damage. Two nearby campers were not damaged. The American Red Cross was requested to provide emergency assistance to four displaced residents.
Initial reports from the scene indicate that something in or near the home exploded.