A 28-year-old Newark firefighter remains hospitalized after suffering smoke inhalation while fighting an early morning residential fire Wednesday near Newark.
The firefighter, Charles Woloszyn, of Aetna Hose Hook & Ladder Fire Company, was reported in good condition Wednesday afternoon in Christiana Hospital.
State fire officials said the fire in the Scottfield development was caused by a heater malfunction.
The blaze was reported about 2:30 a.m. in the first block of Campfield Road, and when Aetna firefighters arrived, smoke was coming from the home.
Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Alan Brown said the home's occupants were alerted by a smoke detector and escaped unharmed.
It was the second time in less than a week that smoke detectors were credited with saving lives in a fire.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control in about 50 minutes.
Fire companies from Wilmington Manor, Christiana, Mill Creek, Belvedere, Hockessin and Minquas of Newport assisted.
An investigation determined the blaze originated in the family room when a baseboard electric heater malfunction ignited combustible materials nearby, Brown said.
Damage was estimated at $50,000.
The displaced family is staying with neighbors, Brown said. Contact Terri Sanginiti at 324-2771 or [email protected].
Republished with permission of The News Journal.
