An arrest have been made in the early morning arson fire that caused over $200K in damages.

Newark (DE): Firefighters were on the scene of a house fire early Saturday morning in the unit block of Saratoga Ct in Bear. Firefighters from Christiana Fire Company arrived at the home to find a it fully involved with smoke and fire.

The first engine arriving on the scene reported, “Heavy fire on 1st and 2nd floors”. Shortly after, additional companies began arriving to assist including Wilmington Manor, Minquas of Newport, Belvedere, Delaware City, and Minquadale began to arrive.

It took firefighters less than 30 minutes to bring the fire under control. The cause was not known at the time of the fire, but arson was suspected. Delaware Newsline was on the scene shortly after 5:15 a.m. as several neighbors watched on as the fire was being extinguished and investigators began interviewing people.

The good news is, the family inside the home was able to escape without injuries through a back door. They are now being assisted by the American Red Cross.

During the course of the investigation, investigators says the fire started on the first floor and was intentionally set. They say the man who set that fire is Wilmington resident, Michael E. Williams. Williams was arrested and charged with two counts of first degree reckless endangering, first degree arson, and wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony.

It is unknown what led up to the arson or what relation Williams is to the family.

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