The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office has determined that Wednesday night’s house fire in Newark was accidental, according to Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Robert Fox.
Fox said the Christiana Fire Company was called to the 1100 block of Powderhorn Diver, in the development of Fox Chase, shortly after 5pm for a report of a house on fire. Upon arrival Fire Department found smoke coming from the residence.
State Fire Marshal Deputies were called to the scene to conduct an investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. Investigation revealed that the fire originated in the basement of the residence and was caused by an electrical malfunction.
Damage was estimated at 10,000 dollars. No injuries were reported.
Original Story
Newark – Just before 5:45 yesterday afternoon, firefighters from the Christiana Fire Company, along with crews from Aetna House, Hook and Ladder, and the Mill Creek Fire Company responded to the 1100 block of Powderhorn Drive for reports of a house fire.
Upon arrival, crews reported smoke showing and alerted firefighters en route.
Additional reports alerted crews that the fire was in the basement of a one story ranch home.
As crews began to knock the fire down, they simultaneously began a primary search for victims. That search meet with negative results as the occupants had escaped prior to the firefighter’s arrival.
Within minutes of their arrival, crews were able to knock the fire down down in the basement. Crews then began checking for extension to the first floor.
After checking for fire on the fire floor and the attic crews determined that the fire had been extinguished and began ventilating the home to remove the heavy smoke.
No injuries were reported, however, the home was deemed uninhabitable. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the displaced residents.