Seaford house fire ruled arson, suspect charged

SEAFORD, Del. – A Sunday afternoon house fire in Seaford has been ruled arson.

We’re told the fire broke out just before 12:30 p.m. in the 25000 block of Griff’s Way. Multiple fire companies, including the Blades Volunteer Fire Company, Seaford Fire Department, Laurel Fire Department, Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company, Greenwood Volunteer Fire, and Georgetown Fire Company, responded to battle the fire.

Officials say the house was not occupied at the time of the fire, and further investigation by the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the blaze was intentionally set. With assistance from the Georgetown Police Department, 87-year-old Robert Emmons was identified as the person responsible for starting the fire. He was subsequently charged with second degree arson and first degree reckless endangering.

Total damage has been estimated at $700,000.