Minquadale fire ruled accidental

Several fire companies battled an accidental blaze Monday at a home near Minquadale and removed an elderly man on a stretcher, but he refused medical treatment, paramedics said.

The fire was reported at 1:57 p.m. in the unit block of W. Hazeldell Ave., fire officials said, and brought under control at 3:14, fire officials said.

When Minquadale Fire Company trucks arrived, the fire was roaring inside the small, one-story house. Minquadale firefighters were assisted by nine other companies.

Rescuers removed a man in his 70s from the home and evaluated him outside the house but he did not want to be taken to the hospital, said Abigail Haas, spokeswoman for New Castle County Emergency Medical Services.

The blaze started inside the living room when an electrical outlet strip failed and ignited nearby combustible materials, said Michael Chionchio, assistant state fire marshal.

Damage was estimated at $30,000, said Chionchio, who added that the American Red Cross was called to provide assistance to two adult residents.

Contact senior reporter Cris Barrish at 324-2785 or cbarrish@delawareonline.com.