Delaware State Fire Marshal Investigates August 17th East Cleveland Avenue Arson Fire

The following is being released on behalf of the Office of the Delaware State Fire Marshal.  All questions should be referred to their office.

The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal has determined that a fire discovered inside a Newark, Delaware townhouse on August 17, 2020 was arson.

The fire was discovered inside a townhouse under construction in the unit block of East Cleveland Avenue shortly after 3:00 am.  The interior of the townhouse was damaged by the deliberate fire.  The townhouse was unoccupied when the fire damage was discovered. There were no reported injuries.  Damage was estimated at $5000.

State fire investigators are asking for the public’s help in identifying a person of interest captured on video surveillance in the area of East Cleveland Avenue on the morning of the fire.  Anyone with information pertaining to this subject is asked to contact the State Fire Marshal’s – New Castle Division at (302) 323-5375 or email fire.marshal@delaware.gov