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KIRKWOOD, DELAWARE (2/9/2017) A fire that heavily damaged a home in the Mariners Watch development south of Kirkwood was ruled accidental, authorities said.
The blaze was reported at 1:21 p.m. Wednesday in the 100 block of Portside Court.
Heavy flames and smoke were coming from the single-family home when firefighters from Delaware City and other companies arrived.
Investigators from the Delaware state Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire started in a trash receptacle outside the home.
Smoldering material placed in the trash can ignited combustibles, said Robert Fox, chief deputy state fire marshal.
Damage was estimated at $250,000.
No one was injured in the fire, Fox said.
The American Red Cross of Delmarva was assisting four residents displaced by the blaze.