HARRINGTON, Del.- Authorities have ruled as accidental a weekend fire that caused an estimated $100,000 in damage to a home located just outside of Harrington.
The Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office said the fire was reported shortly after 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, in the 5400 block of Whiteleysburg Road, west of the corporate limits of Harrington. The fire was reported by the home's occupant after smoke detectors alerted her to the blaze. Investigators said the victim discovered the fire in a room with an operating wood stove and safely escaped the home with the family pet. After exiting the home, the victim call 9-1-1.
The Harrington Fire Company, assisted by the Felton and Houston fire companies, responded to the home and arrived with heavy fire and smoke coming from the dwelling. The fire was placed under control shortly after 9 p.m. with no injuries reported, according to investigators.
Deputy State Fire Marshals determined a failure of the chimney components of the operating wood stove ignited structural framing members, which caused the fire to spread.
The Red Cross is assisting the family.
