The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s office has determined that yesterday’s fire in Newark, Delaware was deliberately started.
The fire, reported shortly before 5:30 pm, occurred in the 400 block of Academy Street. Firefighters encountered a trash dumpster on fire behind Smyth Hall on the grounds of the University of Delaware.
Deputy fire marshals were called to the scene. A criminal investigation is underway by the State Fire Marshal’s office and the University of Delaware Police Department. Fire damage, held to the trash container, was estimated at $500.
Anyone with information regarding this fire is asked to contact the State Fire Marshal’s – New Castle Division by phone: (302) 323-5375, email: Fire.Marshal@delaware.gov, Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333, or the University of Delaware Police Department at (302) 831-2222.