The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of a townhouse fire that occurred on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, in the 100 block of Versailles Court in the Frenchtown Woods Townhouses, Newark. The fire was reported at 9:17 p.m. Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company along with mutual aid from neighboring fire departments responded to the scene after area residents called 911, reporting visible flames.
Upon arrival, fire crews found heavy fire conditions in a three-story townhouse, with flames spreading to two adjacent units. The situation escalated to a second alarm at 9:30 p.m., leading to additional resources being dispatched. Firefighters conducted searches of all affected townhouses, rescuing three cats. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.
Delmarva Power and Light was contacted to secure utility services while firefighting operations were underway according to officials. The fire was declared under control at 10:38 p.m., and personnel cleared the scene by 12:37 a.m. Thursday morning. The New Castle County Office of Emergency Management reached out to the American Red Cross to assist with future sheltering for displaced residents. However, it was noted that all residents had made arrangements for the night.
The response involved Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company, Christiana Fire Company, Claymont Fire Company, Delaware City Fire Company, Good Will Fire Company, Minquas Fire Company #1, Wilmington Manor Fire Company, Singerly Fire Company, New Castle County Paramedics, and New Castle County 911 (FieldCom), as well as support from New Castle County Emergency Management and Citizen Corps.
The investigation into the fire’s origin and cause remains ongoing.