Firefighter burned in Smyrna residential blaze
By SMYRNA — A Citizens’ Hose Co. firefighter suffered minor burns Tuesday during a house fire that caused an estimated $500,000 damage, authorities said.
The blaze in the unit block of Zelkova Road in the Hickory Hollow development was reported by occupants shortly before 10 p.m., the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office said.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire within the two-story single-family dwelling, authorities said. Assistance was requested from several fire departments, as well as Kent County EMS.
The injured firefighter was transported by EMS to Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus, in Dover and then Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Pennsylvania. His condition was listed as stable Friday, authorities said.
Investigation determined that the fire was accidental and started on an attached deck due to improperly discarded smoking materials, authorities said.
Standing in front of his home Thursday, Jared Lelito was effusive in his praise for the support his family has received, He lives there with his wife Alexis Lelito and 8-year-old son.
“I want to say thank you to all the firefighters, the paramedics that came, all the neighbors in Hickory Hollow who have reached out, everybody in the Caesar Rodney School District community, the Smyrna School District,” he said.
Mr. Lelito works in the Caesar Rodney School District and his wife is employed by the Smyrna School District.
Regarding the widespread assistance, Mr. Lelito said “It means a lot to us.
“You never know when you’re going to need this kind of help and everyone coming out and supporting us has been just awesome.”
Mr. Lelito, who is a varsity assistant coach for the Caesar Rodney High baseball team, thanked “all my players that reached out, players from the past that are 25 years old and reaching out.
“It’s awesome. It’s cool.”
The Red Cross of Delmarva is assisting the family, fire officials said.
