The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating this afternoon’s fire in Little Creek that heavily damaged a house according to Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio.
Chionchio said the blaze, reported shortly after 12:00 pm occurred in the 300 block of Main Street. The Little Creek Volunteer Fire Company arrived on the scene with flames shooting from the two-story home and several occupants trapped inside. During the incident, firefighters performed multiple rescues. Five victims were transported to Bayhealth Hospital. All sustained smoke inhalation and burns. A nine-year-old female and 42-year-old female died at the hospital.
Chionchio said five occupants were critically injured. Two of those occupants succumbed to their injuries.
Three other victims remain in critical condition. Two of those victims are expected to be transferred to the Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, Pennsylvania said Chionchio.
State fire investigators, along with the Delaware State Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives are working on the investigation into this fire. The investigation is ongoing and active at this time.
Heavy fire damage was estimated at $100,000. This fire remains under investigation.
Breaking Report
Just after 12:10, Sunday morning firefighters were called to the 300 block of Main Street in Little Creek, Delaware for reports of a structure fire with reports that subjects were trapped.
First arriving reported fire showing. Shortly after the original report Command asked for a helicopter for a reported burn victim. Just minutes after asking for the helicopter Command asked for a second burn victim.
Initial reports indicate that at least three people have been injured.
We’re getting conflicting reports that there may have been a third helicopter requested.’
Update: All three helicopters were recalled. Multiple sources tell FSU that one of the patients jumped from the house. Two of the patients are children and one is an adult. A fourth patient was also reportedly injured trying to get the residents out.
This is a developing story.