Dover house fire ruled accidental

Image: Delaware State Fire Marshal

DOVER, Del. – A fire that heavily damaged a Dover home Tuesday morning has been ruled accidental.

We’re told the fire was reported shortly before 8:30 a.m. in the 100 block of Delshire Drive. Crews extinguished the blaze, and state fire investigators were called to the scene to further investigate. It was determined that the fire was accidental and caused by discarded smoking materials.

A firefighter was taken to a local hospital for treatment of a heat related injury. An occupant of the residence was evaluated at the scene but refused treatment. No other injuries were reported.

Total damage has been estimated at $250,000. The family is being assisted by the American Red Cross.