Fire marshal continues investigation into house fire

The Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office says a house fire Oct. 20 in the Aspen Meadows development caused $70,000 in damage.

Local firefighters responded at 10:47 p.m. to the home in the 35000 block of High Alpine Lane. The home was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, said Randall W. Lee, chief deputy state fire marshal.

Three pets - a dog, a cat and a bird - perished in the blaze, he said.

Neighbor Sharon Krupinski said she was home when the fire began at Viki Dee's home. Krupinksi said she heard a pop outside and her husband went out to investigate; he called 911 to report the fire next door.

Lee said the fire originated in a bedroom. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.