NEW CASTLE, DELAWARE (10/20/2015) A fire that broke out at the Budget Motor Lodge on U.S. 13 near New Castle this morning was accidental, the Delaware state Fire Marshal’s Office ruled. Two people were injured.
The fire shortly before 8 a.m. at 140 S. DuPont Highway, just south of the Hares Corner intersection, also caused delays for northbound commuters.
Heavy smoke was coming from the building when Wilmington Manor firefighters arrived.
Assisted by several other fire companies, it took them about 30 minutes to control the blaze, which heavily damaged the office and a few nearby rooms.
Investigators determined the fire started in the office and was caused by discarded smoking material.
A 27-year-old woman and a 40-year-old woman were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation by New Castle County paramedics and then taken to a hospital, said Robert L. Fox, chief deputy state fire marshal.
Damage was estimated at $75,000.
Fox said occupants of the unaffected areas were allowed to stay in their rooms.
Fire hits 3 mobile homes in Stanton, ruled arson