The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s office has determined that this afternoon’s apartment building fire in Newark was accidental, according to Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio.
Chionchio said the blaze, reported around 2:30 pm, occurred in the 1800 block of Sheldon Drive in the Preserve at Deacons Walk. The Aetna Hose, Hook, and Ladder Company arrived on the scene with smoke coming from the four-story building.
One resident, an 84-year-old female, was injured after a fall while escaping. She was transported to the Christiana Hospital for contusions and listed in good condition.
Deputy fire marshals conducted the investigation. The fire started inside a 3rd-floor apartment bedroom when a malfunction occurred with electrical wires. Fourteen units were damaged. Five cats died and two cats survived.
Heavy fire damage was estimated at $200,000. The American Red Cross is assisting displaced tenants. At this time, the total number of displaced residents is not known.