Woman dead, New Castle County officer injured in Tuesday morning fire near New Castle
Isabel HughesOne woman died and a New Castle County police officer was injured Tuesday morning after a home in Simonds Gardens near New Castle caught fire, fire officials said.
First responders were called to the first block of Simonds Drive, by Lambson Lane, just after 10 a.m. for reports of the blaze. The 911 call-taker was told a woman was trapped inside, according to the State Fire Marshal's Office.
A New Castle County police officer who was one of the first on the scene ran into the home to rescue the woman but was "hampered by heavy smoke conditions," said Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio.
The officer was treated for smoke inhalation and is expected to recover.
When firefighters were ultimately able to get into the home, they found the woman dead. She was the sole occupant, Chionchio said.
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Fire damage is estimated at $100,000. Chionchio said the woman's name will be released once the next of kin is notified.
Fire investigators are working to determine the cause and origin of the blaze.
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