MAGNOLIA, Del.- The Red Cross has been called in to assist a Magnolia family following a fire that heavily damaged their home and claimed the lives of several pets.
The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office said the fire was reported by a neighbor just before 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, in the 1100 block of West Birdie Lane in the Jonathan’s Landing development.
The Magnolia Fire Company arrived with heavy fire conditions inside the home and immediately requested additional resources to assist. Camden-Wyoming, Little Creek, Bowers, Dover, and Kent County EMS responded to assist. While battling the blaze, one firefighter fell through a collapsed floor into the basement and was safely extricated by additional firefighters inside at the time. That firefighter was evaluated on-scene by EMS personnel and was not transported for further treatment.
No one was home at the time of the fire, but several pets inside the home were unable to escape and perished, investigators said.
The fire was placed under control shortly after 6 pm. Deputy State Fire Marshals responded to the scene to investigate the origin and cause of the fire. Deputies determined the fire originated on the first floor inside a kitchen wall and was caused by an electrical failure in the home’s fixed branch circuitry.
Damages are estimated at over $200,000. The Red Cross of Delmarva in assisting the home’s occupants.
(Photo: Magnolia VFC)