Early Morning House Fire in Dewey Beach Ravages Property

DEWEY BEACH, Del. – The Dewey Beach Police Department and the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company responded to an early morning house fire that destroyed one home and damaged others nearby.

At approximately 3:01 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 13, an officer detected an odor of smoke in the area of Carolina Street. At the same time, the Dewey Beach Communications Center received a call reporting a possible fire in the first block of Carolina Street. Officers immediately responded, discovering a dwelling with heavy fire emerging from the second floor. Within moments, the structure became fully engulfed in flames. The structure was not occupied at the time of the fire.

Strong winds from the coastal storm only added to the rapid spread of the fire and complicated suppression efforts. The Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched and arrived promptly on scene, with assistance from multiple surrounding fire companies and Sussex County EMS.

The fire was eventually brought under control around 4:00 a.m. The residence the fire originated in was completely destroyed, and several neighboring homes were damaged. Total damage is estimated at $1,000,000.

Several firefighters were treated for minor injuries. Three firefighters were transported to Beebe Medical Center.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office.