Thursday May, 7 2026 @ 13:19

Nature: Structure Fire

Location: 33020 Bishop St Enchanted Acres, DE 19966

On Thursday, May 7^th, the Indian River (80), Millsboro (83) and Lewes (82) fire department was alerted for a residential structure fire on Bishop Street in the Enchanted Acres development off Long Neck Road.  Additional emergency alerts included the Mid Sussex Rescue and the Sussex County Paramedics. It was reported to be the porch on fire.

Emergency response units from Indian River included Engine 80 from the Long Neck facility and Tanker 80 from the Oak Orchard facility as well as the Delaware State Fire Police.

Emergency response crews included an initial incident size up, suppression of the impacted area and downgraded the incident to the apparatus on location and cancelling all other responding units.

It appears that the fire originated as a result of improperly discarded smoking materials.

The Delaware State Fire Police assisted with traffic control in the area.

Improperly discarded smoking materials, such as cigarettes and ashes, are a leading cause of home structure fires, deaths, and injuries in the U.S., resulting in thousands of incidents annually.

These fires typically occur when smoking materials are placed in, or near, flammable items like mulch, potted plants, grass, or trash cans, instead of into sturdy, deep, and water-filled containers.

Key causes include discarding cigarettes into: 

• Vegetation: Mulch, potted plants, dried leaves, or landscaping.

• Trash Cans: Garbage cans, plastic containers, or waste baskets. 

• Surfaces: Leaving cigarettes on decks, porches, or in furniture cushion