The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating yesterday afternoon’s house fire in Laurel, Delaware that injured three people.
Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio said the blaze, reported shortly before 3:30 p.m., occurred in the 100 block of West Second Street. The Laurel Fire Department arrived on the scene with smoke and flames engulfing the three-story house. Firefighters entered the burning home and rescued three occupants.
A 76-year-old female resident was transported to Nanticoke Hospital in critical condition suffering from smoke inhalation and burns. She was later flown by helicopter to the Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, Pennsylvania. A 71-year-old female resident was transported in serious condition to the Nanticoke Hospital for smoke inhalation. A 68-year-old female was also treated at Nanticoke for smoke inhalation and burns. She is listed in stable condition.
Chionchio said state fire investigators responded to the scene to search for the fire’s origin and cause. The three-story house was heavily damaged by the fire. Damage was estimated at $175,000. The American Red Cross was contacted and requested to provide emergency assistance to the victims. A total of four residents have been displaced. Several cats remain missing from the house.
Smoke alarms inside the house did operate. There were no residential sprinklers.
The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s office has determined that this fire was accidental. The fire originated inside the 1st-floor kitchen and was caused by cooking materials igniting on the stovetop. The 76-year-old female and 71-year-old female remain hospitalized in serious condition at the Crozer-Chester Hospital.