Early morning house fire in Lincoln ruled accidental

LINCOLN, Del. – The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office has ruled an early morning house fire in Lincoln accidental.

The Ellendale Volunteer Fire Company and several mutual aid companies responded to the 18000 block of Hickory Lane just before 4 a.m. Monday morning. Firefighters found an active fire inside a single-story ranch style house.

Ten people were able to escape without reported injuries. One female occupant was taken to Bayhealth Sussex Campus for a medical evaluation.

Investigators say the fire started in a sunroom, and was caused by a faulty heating and air conditioning appliance. The home was severely damaged; investigators estimate damage at $450,000.