01/02/2008

SEAFORD, Del.- Authorities blame overheated electrical cords for a New Year's Day fire that damaged a Seaford home.

The Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office says the blaze was reported at 9:04 p.m. on the 200 block of North Arch Street.

The Seaford Fire Department responded to the scene and was assisted by the Blades Fire Department.  Upon arrival firefighters encountered smoke showing.

The home, owned by Chandler Rellau Jr., was occupied by Natalia Ramos, Octavio Zavalla Cortez and two children at time of the fire. 

Ramos discovered fire in one of the bedrooms and attempted to extinguish it with a garden hose before calling 911.  All occupants were able to escape without injury. 

The home had no working smoke detectors, according to investigators, who determined that the fire originated in the west wall of the bedroom and was caused by overheated electrical cords. 

Damages have been estimated at approximately $7,500.