Collins Park house fire ruled accidental; $150,000 damage

Fire hit home on Rodney Drive in Collins Park. (Photo: Google maps)
Fire hit home on Rodney Drive in Collins Park. (Photo: Google maps)

NEW CASTLE, DELAWARE (1/22/2016) A fire that heavily damaged a home in the Collins Park neighborhood near New Castle was ruled accidental, authorities said.

The fire was reported shortly before 3 p.m. Friday in the 100 block of Rodney Drive.

Smoke was pouring from the building when Holloway Terrace firefighters arrived, said Michael Chionchio, assistant state fire marshal.

One occupant was given oxygen outside as a precaution, Chionchio said.

He said smoke alarms had worked and no other injuries were reported.

Deputy fire marshals determined the blaze began in the kitchen when an appliance failed, then spread to overhead cabinets and other parts of the home.

Damage was estimated at $150,000, Chionchio said.