The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating a House Fire that occurred this morning in Newark.
Delaware State Fire Marshal Chief Deputy Robert Fox said the Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder Company of Newark was notified of a fire in the unit block of Augusta Drive in the Chestnut Hill Estates community, shortly after 7:00 AM this morning.
Upon arrival they found heavy smoke and an active fire in the basement of an occupied residence. There were reports of someone trapped in the basement, but after a primary search of the residence no one was found inside.
Deputy Fire Marshal’s were called to the scene to determine the origin and cause of the fire. The fire originated in the basement of the residence and was caused by a malfunction of a portable heater.
Two residents of the house were treated at the scene by EMS and New Castle County Paramedics for smoke inhalation and transported to Christiana Hospital with non-life -threatening injuries. The damage to the house is estimated at approximately 100,000 dollars.
Firefighters from Newport, responding to the fire scene, were involved in an accident with a pickup truck on Route 4 in Stanton. One patient injured in the crash required medical attention and was taken to Christiana Hospital.
