Child Playing with Matches Blamed For Fire - 170 Beagle Club Rd.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Authorities say a 3-year-old child playing with matches is to blame for a Wednesday afternoon fire at a Felton-area home that displaced a family of six. The Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office says the blaze was reported at 2:22 p.m. at a home on the 100 block of Beagle Club Road between Sandtown and Indian Runner roads just outside Felton town limits. The Felton Community Fire Company responded to the 911 call made by the home's occupant, and upon arrival encountered heavy smoke coming from a bedroom window of the one story modular home. The Harrington Fire Company also responded to assist. The fire was quickly brought under control with no injuries reported. Investigators determined the fire originated in a bedroom corner and was caused when a 3-year-old playing with matches ignited combustible materials in the room. Investigators say the home was equipped with working smoke detectors, but the fire was discovered prior to the detectors activating. The home sustained moderate fire and smoke damage, estimated at $40,000. The Red Cross of Delmarva was notified and is assisting the four adults and two children that were living in the home. The 3-year-old will be referred to State Fire Marshal's Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Program.

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