BRANDYWINE HUNDRED, DELAWARE (6/1/2016) An elderly woman was taken to Christiana Hospital in serious condition after fire broke out in a Brandywine Hundred home this morning, authorities said.
The fire happened about 5 a.m. in the 1300 block of Marsh Road, in the Northwood community.
Smoke was showing when firefighters arrived, and it took about 30 minutes to bring the fire under control.
The fire started from a discarded cigarette in the master bedroom and was ruled accidental, said Michael Chionchio, assistant state fire marshal. He said damage was estimated at $40,000.
A 75-year-old woman was found on a rear porch and treated at the scene before being taken by ambulance to the hospital in Stanton, said Sgt. Abigail E. Haas of New Castle County paramedics.
Chionchio said a smoke alarm had alerted the resident.
Firefighters from Brandywine Hundred, Claymont and Talleyville were among those responding.
The Delaware state Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.