12/20/2009 – At 3:34pm Station 74 (Delmar) was alerted to a reported house fire in the 11,000 block of Line Rd. En route, they were advised that an explosion had occured on scene. Crews arrived to find a oil-fired boiler had exploded. The explosion occurred in utility closet adjacent to the house in a semi-enlosed porch. The explosion ripped the door off the closet, sent debris into the kitchen and porch, and damaged the electric panel. Two walls were shifted off the foundation, and command requested additional resources to evaluate. The Delaware State Technical Rescue Team and State Fire Marshal’s Office were alerted. Delmarva Power was alerted to cut power to the house. The home owners were required to vacate the house until suitable repairs are made and the home has a functioning heating system. A damage estimate is not available at this time.
FITHP Photographers on Scene: Wayne Barrall, Cliff Shockley & Billy Adkins
