Wednesday morning fire in Hartly ruled accidental

HARTLY, Del. – The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal says a fire that destroyed several buildings late Wednesday morning has been deemed accidental.

The Hartly Fire Company responded to the call shortly before noon, in the 5900 block of Westville Road.

Officials say the fire started when a person using a cutting torch to cut a bolt accidentally ignited a lawnmower that was under repair. The fire then spread from the lawn mower and damaged two pole barns and one trailer.

Heavy fire damage was estimated at $500,000. No injuries were reported as a result of the blaze.