Authorities are investigating a Saturday residential fire in Seaford that caused an estimated $700,000 in damage and resulted in the arrest of an 87-year-old man on arson charges.
The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal responded to the incident after receiving reports of a structure fire shortly before 12:30 p.m. on February 16, 2025. The fire occurred in the 25000 block of Griff’s Way, where firefighters from the Blades Volunteer Fire Company, Seaford Fire Department, and mutual aid responders arrived to find a single-family home and garage engulfed in flames. Officials said the house was unoccupied at the time of the fire.
After conducting an origin and cause investigation, the Delaware Deputy State Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the fire was intentionally set according to Chief Deputy John M. Galaska. Further investigation, assisted by the Georgetown Police Department, led to the identification of Robert Emmons, 87, of Seaford, as the suspect responsible for starting the blaze added Galaska.
Emmons was subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree arson and first-degree reckless endangering. Officials estimate the damage from the fire to be approximately $700,000.
Authorities have not released details regarding a possible motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.