Fire destroys home in Dewey Beach
A Dewey Beach home burned to the ground and others were damaged in the early morning hours of Oct. 13.
A Dewey Beach police officer on patrol smelled smoke about 3 a.m. in the area of Carolina Street. At the same time, the Dewey Beach Communications Center received a call reporting a possible fire in the first block of Carolina Street.
Officers immediately responded and, upon arrival, discovered a dwelling with heavy fire showing from the second floor. Within moments, the structure became fully engulfed in flames.
Strong northeast winds, driven by the active coastal storm, contributed to the rapid spread of the fire and complicated suppression efforts. The Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched and arrived promptly on scene, with assistance from multiple surrounding fire companies and Sussex County EMS.
About 4 a.m., the fire was brought under control. One residence was destroyed and several neighboring homes sustained damage as a result of the intense heat and wind conditions. Several firefighters were treated for minor injuries. Two were transported to Beebe Healthcare.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office.
