Deadly summer house fire in Wilmington intentionally set

A summer house fire that killed one man in Wilmington was intentionally set, according to the Wilmington Fire Marshal’s office.

 

The blaze broke out at 100 Bird Street around 10:30 p.m. on June 16. When fire crews arrived, heavy fire was coming from the two-story home and it was partially collapsed with three people trapped inside.

After speaking with the two survivors, investigators determined that the man who died in the blaze, 48-year-old Lamotte V. Scales, spread an accelerant and lit the house on fire after an argument inside the home.

Francine Wallace, 49, and Armentha Morrow, 37, were rescued from the home and transported to local hospitals where they were treated for burns and smoke inhalation. According to the Fire Marshal’s Office, Wallace remains hospitalized in the burn care unit at the Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, PA.

A firefighter was also treated for minor injuries.

The home was burned beyond repair and has since been demolished.