The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office has determined that a building fire in Smyrna was accidental.

On March 4, 2026, shortly before 11:30 PM the Citizens Hose Company of Smyrna along with mutual aid fire companies were dispatched to the unit block of Malvern Lane, Sunnyside Village Apartments, in Smyrna for a reported multifamily dwelling fire. Fire fighters arrived to find a fire in the second-floor laundry room.

Investigators from the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene to investigate the origin and cause of the fire. Investigators determined that the fire originated within an operating clothes dryer, causing the contents to ignite. The building’s fire alarm and fire suppression system both activated. The fire was contained to the laundry room by a single sprinkler head until the fire department arrived and fully extinguished the remaining fire.

No injuries were reported and damage is estimated at $5000. The residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

Chief Deputy Brian Schad

Delaware State Fire Marshal

1537 Chestnut Grove Road

Dover, Delaware 19904

(302) 739-4447 Office

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