Selbyville Fire

March 19, 2024

The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating a fire that damaged a structure in Selbyville, Delaware on March 19, 2024.

The incident, reported shortly before 12:30 A.M. , occurred in the unit block of Clendaniel Avenue Selbyville, Delaware at the Thessalonia Baptist Church. The Selbyville Volunteer Fire Company arrived on the scene and found the structure heavily involved in fire. Mutual aid fire companies assisted at the scene.

State fire investigators were called to the scene and performed an investigation to determine the origin and cause. The fire was determined to have originated in the attic space of the structure and was caused by an unspecified electrical malfunction.

Damage is estimated at $250,000.00. There were no reported injuries. The structure did not have an alarm system or automatic sprinkler system.

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John M. Galaska
Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal
(302) 856-5600 Office

 


Georgetown Fire

March 17, 2024

The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating a fire that damaged a mobile home in Georgetown, Delaware on March 16, 2024.

The incident, reported shortly before 4:00 P.M., occurred in the 27000 block of Paradise Street, Georgetown, Delaware. The Georgetown Fire Company arrived on the scene and found smoke showing from a mobile home structure. A Victim had been removed from the structure in cardiac arrest prior to fire department arrival and was transported to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in serious condition after being resuscitated. Mutual aid fire companies, Delaware State Police and Sussex County Paramedics assisted at the scene.

State fire investigators were called to the scene and performed an investigation to determine the origin and cause. The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.

Damage is estimated at $25,000.00. A second Victim was transported from the scene for evaluation and has been treated and released. There were no other reported injuries.

OSFM Police Logo

John M. Galaska
Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal
(302) 856-5600 Office


Change Your Clocks, Check Your Batteries

As Delawareans change their clocks this Sunday, March 10, 2024, the Delaware State Fire Marshal would like to remind all residents to also check the batteries in their smoke detectors and test them to ensure they are working. Smoke detectors are required to be installed in every home because properly installed and maintained smoke detectors save lives!!

Smoke detectors should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Smoke detectors should be placed on the ceiling or high on a wall in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. To maintain smoke detectors with 10-year lithium-ion batteries, it is recommended to use a vacuum or compressed air to clean the chamber as needed. If the unit chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke detector. Smoke detectors with any other type of battery source (ex. 9-volt) require a new battery at least once a year. If the smoke detector chirps, warning that the battery is low, be sure to replace the battery immediately. Regardless of the battery source, ALL smoke detectors shall be replaced every 10 years.

Did you know in a home fire, you could have less than 2 minutes to escape once the smoke detector sounds? When testing your smoke detector this weekend, use this time as an opportunity to create and practice your family’s home escape plan. Draw a map of your home, including all doors and windows, with everyone in the home present. Locate two ways out of every room. Discuss your plan as a family and choose a safe meeting place outdoors in front of your home to meet in the event of a fire. Once the plan is in place, push the test button to sound the smoke detector, and start your family home fire drill. It is critical that all residents and guests are prepared to leave immediately in the event of fire!

For more information regarding smoke detectors and the smoke detector law, please visit our website https://statefiremarshal.delaware.gov/special-programs/smoke-detectors/

For more information on home fire escape plans, please visit https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prepare-for-fire/home-fire-escape-plans/

Spring Forward One Hour

Change your clocks, check your batteries


Claymont Fire

February 27, 2024
The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office has determined that this morning’s house fire in Claymont, DE was accidental.
The Claymont Fire Company was notified of a fire in the unit block of Denham Avenue in the Knollwood Community, shortly after 3:00 AM. Upon arrival they found heavy smoke and fire coming from the residence. Mutual aid companies responded to assist with extinguishment.
Deputy Fire Marshal’s were called to the scene to determine the origin and cause of the fire. The origin of the fire was determined to be the back porch of the residence and was caused by an electric bicycle that was stored on the porch.
One resident was transported to St. Francis Hospital for minor injuries and smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported. The damage to the residence is estimated at approximately $80,000.
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Chief Deputy Robert Fox
Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office
2307 MacArthur Dr
New Castle, Delaware 19720
(302) 323-5375 Office


Newark Fire

February 27, 2024
The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating a house fire that occurred this morning in Newark, DE.
The Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder Company of Newark was notified of a fire in the 200 block of Emma Way in the Shelley Farms community, shortly after 4:00 AM. Upon arrival they found heavy smoke and fire coming from the residence. Mutual aid companies responded to assist with extinguishment. A mayday was called for a possible missing Firefighter but was quickly cleared after utilizing the Fireground Accountability Protocol used by all Fire Departments in Delaware.
Deputy Fire Marshal’s were called to the scene to determine the origin and cause of the fire. The origin of the fire was determined to be in a bedroom and the cause is still under investigation.
Two residents were transported to Christiana Hospital for minor injuries and smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported. The damage to the residence is estimated at approximately $150,000.
OSFM Police Logo
Chief Deputy Robert Fox
Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office
2307 MacArthur Dr
New Castle, Delaware 19720
(302) 323-5375 Office