BEAR, DELAWARE (11/29/2018) A two-alarm fire that damaged six apartments in Bear sent two people to a hospital, authorities said.
The blaze at the Rockwood Apartments, 2500 Cindy Drive near U.S. 40, was reported shortly before 9 p.m. Wednesday, said Michael G. Chionchio, assistant state fire marshal.
He said the fire began when cigarettes ignited landscaping near the exterior of the three-story building.
“Bushes and mulch propelled the flames to ignite the building’s exterior siding. The flames burned up the building into the attic area,” Chionchio said. The cause was ruled accidental.
He said flames were visible on the exterior when Christiana Fire Company arrived.
Four people were examined for injuries at the scene, with two of them taken by ambulance to Christiana Hospital in Stanton. All were in stable condition, Chionchio said.
Damage was estimated at $150,000.
The American Red Cross was assisting the 15 displaced residents.