The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office has determined that a house fire in Smyrna was accidental in nature. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, in the Hickory Hollow Development. The fire was reported by the occupants of a home on Zelkova Road shortly before 10:00 PM.
The Citizens Hose Co of Smyrna responded to the emergency and found a heavy fire engulfing a two-story single-family dwelling. Due to the severity of the blaze, assistance was sought from neighboring fire departments as well as Kent County EMS.
During the firefighting efforts, one firefighter sustained minor burns. He was initially transported by EMS to Bayhealth Kent Hospital and later transferred to Crozer Medical Center in Pennsylvania. His condition is currently stable, and no other injuries have been reported. The fire was brought under control shortly after 11:00 PM.
According to Assistant State Fire Marshal B. Scott Bullock investigators were called to the scene to determine the origin and cause of the fire. It was determined that the blaze started on an attached deck due to improperly discarded smoking materials. The Red Cross of Delmarva is providing assistance to the displaced occupants of the home.
The estimated damage from the fire is approximately $500,000. The quick response and collaboration of multiple fire departments and EMS ensured that the situation was contained with minimal injuries and prevented further damage.