Fire Investigators determined that both fires were intentionally started and were accompanied by other criminal mischief type activity at the location.
OAK ORCHARD (DE) BY DIGITAL STAFF: The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office says two house fires in the Oak Orchard development were intentionally set.
Officials with the Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal say the two fires occurred two days apart from each other. The first fire occurred on May 12th and the second one on May 13th.
Officials say the homes were not occupied at the time of the fire.
“Both fires occurred to separate unoccupied dwelling structures located adjacent from each other in the 32000 block of Oak Orchard Road Millsboro, Delaware.,” Said Deputy State Fire Marshall John Galaska. “The first fire, reported on May 12th, 2021 shortly after 4:30 P.M and caused damage to a structure, the second fire occurred on May 13th, 2021 and caused damage to an adjacent structure.”
“The Indian River Volunteer Fire Company arrived on the scene and was able to quickly extinguish both fires. Mutual aid fire companies assisted at the scene.,” Said Galaska.
When state fire marshals arrived at the scene and began their investigation, they determined that both fires were intentionally started and were accompanied by other criminal mischief type activity at the location.
Total fire damage from these incidents is estimated at $200.
“Previous fires that were investigated and determined to be intentionally started occurred at one of the unoccupied structures at this location on March 17, 2021 and April 10, 2021 with damage to the structure from those incidents estimated at $50,000.,” Galaska added.
Any persons with information are asked to contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office – Sussex Division at (302)856-5600 or Delaware Crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
