Christmas night fire causes severe damage in Delaware Bay town

High winds fanned the flames that caused severe damage to multiple homes in Slaughter Beach.

Associated Press

December 26, 2017

Flames engulf a Slaughter Beach on Christmas night. (Jeff Davidson of Milton Fire Department/courtesy Indian River Vol. Fire Co.)
Multiple companies were called to battle the flames which were spread by high winds in Slaughter Beach on Christmas night. (Jeff Davidson of Milton Fire Department/courtesy Indian River Vol. Fire Co.)
(Jeff Davidson of Milton Fire Department/courtesy Indian River Vol. Fire Co.)
(Jeff Davidson of Milton Fire Department/courtesy Indian River Vol. Fire Co.)
(photo courtesy of Frederica Fire Company/Indian River Vol. Fire Co.)
(photo courtesy of Frederica Fire Company/Indian River Vol. Fire Co.)

Multiple homes have been severely damaged by fire in Delaware.

News outlets report a Monday night fire in Slaughter Beach left at least two houses destroyed, and caused damage to multiple others. An assistant state fire marshal with the Kent County Division, Michael Chionchio, said officials received a call around 7 p.m. Monday. Fire companies were still on the scene as of 1:15 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Chionchio says high winds spread the fire. The cause of the fire was still under investigation.

Memorial Volunteer Fire Company Chief Terry Jester says heat from the fire ignited propane tanks in the area.

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Jester says an elderly woman was hospitalized after trying to run back into a home and falling.

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