The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office is has determined that a fire that damaged several Townhome units in Newark was accidental according to Chief Deputy Robert Fox.
Fox said at approximately 9:30 last evening, The Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder Company of Newark was alerted to a house fire in the 100 block of Versailles Ct, Frenchtown Woods Townhouse community.
Upon arrival the Fire Department found smoke and fire coming from the rear of multiple townhomes. The fire quickly escalated to two alarms bringing multiple Agencies to the scene to assist with extinguishment and overhaul.
State Fire Marshal Deputies were called to the scene and are currently investigating the origin and cause of the fire. It was determined that the origin of the fire was the rear deck area and was caused by discarded smoking materials.
Damage to several units in the block is extensive and estimated at approximately 500,000 dollars. The Red Cross of Delmarva was notified and will be assisting residents. There were no reported injuries reported.
Original Story
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.