The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal has determined that Friday night’s fire that heavily damaged a Smyrna, Delaware home was accidental, according to Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio.
Chionchio said the Citizens Hose Company responded to the 500 block of Smyrna Landing Road near the DuPont Parkway around 10:30 pm for a report of a house on fire. Firefighters encountered large flames on the exterior rear of the dwelling. A female resident of the home was transported to Bayhealth Hospital – Kent Campus emergency room for smoke inhalation. was listed in stable condition.
Deputy fire marshals were called to the scene and determined that the fire originated on the exterior rear deck of the home. Electrical equipment on the deck failed resulting in the ignition of items on the deck. Chionchio said massive fire damage was estimated at $175,000.
The American Red Cross was dispatched to provide emergency assistance for two displaced adults. Smoke alarms activated inside the home alerting the occupants to the fire.