MIDDLETOWN — A woman and three infants escaped serious injuries as a residence was destroyed by fire in the Parkside neighborhood Monday, the assistant state fire marshal said.
According to Michael Chionchio, the adult and three children were transported to ChristianaCare in Newark to be treated for smoke inhalation, adding that they were expected to recover.
The blaze, at 825 Sweet Birch Drive, was called into 911 by passersby just before 1 p.m. Mr. Chionchio said the home was engulfed by flames when firefighters arrived.
Two baby carriers were seen outside the house, and a vehicle remained in the garage, as fire investigators sifted through ashes late Monday afternoon.
Damage was estimated at $700,000, officials said.
“This is definitely a fire that residential fire sprinklers would have made a difference, in terms of limiting the damage,” Mr. Chionchio said.
The origin and cause of the fire was not known Monday. The fire marshal will release more information as it becomes available, he said.
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