The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office has concluded that a house fire that occurred this afternoon in the Oakmont development of New Castle was accidental in nature.
According to Chief Deputy Robert Fox of the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office, the fire originated in a second-floor bedroom of a middle-of-the-row townhouse in the unit block of Oakmont Drive. The Minquadale Fire Company was initially dispatched to the scene and arrived to find heavy fire showing from the residence, with flames spreading into the adjoining townhouses.
Due to the extent of the fire, a second alarm was transmitted, adding additional fire companies to respond and assist with suppression efforts. Firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control while preventing further damage to neighboring properties.
Deputies from the State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to investigate the cause and determined that the fire began when a heating device left on a bed ignited the bed linens and mattress said Fox. The resulting fire spread quickly, causing significant structural damage to the affected properties.
The damage from the fire has been estimated at approximately $150,000. No injuries were reported. The American Red Cross was on scene to assist five displaced residents impacted by the incident.