Office of the State Fire Marshal Sussex County Division Investigations/Inspections/Administrative Offices 22705 Park Avenue Georgetown, DE 19947

NEWS RELEASE

CONTACT PERSON: Randall Lee

Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal

RELEASE NUMBER: S-08-0056

RELEASE DATE: May 22, 2008

The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office investigated a structure fire that occurred on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 10:27 PM on the 4000 block of Coastal Highway in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

The Rehoboth Beach Fire Department responded to the scene and was assisted by the Lewes and Bethany Beach Fire Departments. Upon arrival they encountered heavy smoke throughout the second floor apartment.

Damages to the structure, which housed a medical office on the first floor and an apartment on the second floor, have been estimated at approximately $180,000. No injuries were reported.

State Fire Marshal’s Investigators have determined that the fire originated in the second floor bedroom and was caused by an unattended candle too close to combustible materials.