SUSSEX COUNTY, Del.-Â Â The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal is currently investigating three separate structure fires that occurred over the weekend, leaving property damage in their wake. While no injuries were reported in any of the incidents, the causes of the fires remain under investigation.
Seaford, Delaware - December 17, 2023
On December 17, 2023, at approximately 12:30 A.M., the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 5000 block of Boyce Road, Seaford, Delaware. Firefighters arrived at the scene to find a two-story farmhouse-style single-family dwelling engulfed in smoke and flames. No one was home at the time, and the cause is still unclear. The estimated damage is valued at $250,000.Â
Dagsboro, Delaware - December 17, 2023
On the same day at approximately 2:00 A.M., the Dagsboro Volunteer Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 24000 block of Nine Foot Road, Dagsboro, Delaware. It was determined that the fire was accidental and caused by an electrical malfunction. Fortunately no one was home and no one was hurt. The estimated damage in this case amounts to $350,000.
Ellendale, Delaware - December 18, 2023
A day later, on December 18, 2023, at around 5:00 A.M., the Ellendale Volunteer Fire Company responded to a structure fire in the 18000 block of Fleatown Road, Ellendale, Delaware. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a small fire and structural damage near a heating unit. Mutual aid fire companies also joined efforts. State fire investigators determined the fire was accidental, caused by a malfunction in the heating unit. The home was occupied at the time, but the occupant managed to escape unharmed after detecting the fire. No other injuries were reported, and damage is estimated at $10,000.
The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal continues to investigate all three incidents to ascertain the precise causes of the fires. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigations.