The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office has determined that a residence fire in the Oakmont development of New Castle was accidental.

Chief Deputy Robert Fox stated that the fire started in a second-floor bedroom of a townhouse on Oakmont Drive. The Minquadale Fire Company responded to the call and arrived to find significant flames affecting the residence and spreading to adjacent units.

A second alarm was raised due to the fire’s scale, prompting more fire companies to join in the firefighting operation. Firefighters battled the blaze to contain it and safeguard nearby buildings from additional harm.

Deputies from the State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to investigate the cause and determined that the fire began when a heating device left on a bed ignited the bed linens and mattress said Fox. The resulting fire spread quickly, causing significant structural damage to the affected properties.

The damage from the fire has been estimated at approximately $150,000. No injuries were reported. The American Red Cross was on scene to assist five displaced residents impacted by the incident.