The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal has determined that the two alarm apartment building fire in Bear was was accidental. The blaze led to two cases of smoke inhalation.
The blaze, reported shortly before 9 p.m., occurred at the Rockwood Apartments, 2500 Cindy Drive near Route 40. The Christiana Fire Company arrived on the scene and found a fire on the exterior of an occupied apartment building.
The State Fire Marshal’s deputes were called to the scene to conduct the investigation into the fire’s cause.
The fire started on the exterior side of the three story building when cigarettes ignited landscaping near the building. Bushes and mulch propelled the flames to ignite the building’s exterior siding. The flames made their way to the attic area.
Four people were examined for injuries at the scene. Two people were transported to the Christiana Hospital Emergency Room suffering from smoke inhalation. All patients were in stable condition.
Damage was estimated at $150,000. Six apartment units were damaged. Fifteen people have been displaced, with the American Red Cross providing assistance.
