OGLETOWN, DELAWARE (12/26/2014) A 68-year-old man injured when fire broke out in his Harmony Woods home on Christmas was released from the hospital today, authorities said.
The victim had first been taken to Christiana Hospital and then to Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, Pa., for treatment of smoke inhalation.
The fire, reported at 12:30 a.m. in the first block of Octave Court, has been ruled accidental, said Michael Chionchio, assistant state fire marshal.
He said the fire began in a concealed area above the first-floor ceiling due to an electrical wiring failure that ignited wooden framing.
“Smoke alarms failed to operate because the batteries were no good and needed to be replaced,” Chionchio said.
By the time Christiana firefighters arrived, the home was engulfed in flames.
Fire damage was estimated at $75,000.