Woman in critical condition after town house fire

Fire heavily damaged townhome in Kimberton. (Photo: Delaware Free News)
Paramedics treat cat at scene of fire in Kimberton. (Photo: Delaware Free News)

BROOKSIDE, DELAWARE (11/13/2018) A 38-year-old woman was in critical condition after fire heavily damaged a townhome in the Kimberton community, authorities said.

The fire was reported shortly after 10 a.m. Monday in the first block of Waltham St.

Flames were visible on the first floor when Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company firefighters arrived.

Investigators from the state Fire Marshal’s Office determined the blaze started in the first-floor living room when an electrical power cord to a portable space heater failed and ignited a couch, said Michael Chionchio, assistant state fire marshal. The cause was ruled accidental.

The injured woman, suffering from smoke inhalation, was rescued from the home by firefighters, then taken by ambulance to Christiana Hospital.

Chionchio said damage was estimated at $150,000.

The home had no working smoke detectors, he said.