Officials have issued a safety warning after responding to a kitchen fire in New Castle County, Delaware, that sent two people, including a child, to the hospital.
According to Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company, on Friday, November 21, 2025, just after 6 p.m., fire crews were alerted about a fire on Martine Court in the Drummond Ridge Townhouses.
Officials said when crews arrived at the scene, they found smoke conditions inside a three-story townhouse, with evidence of an extinguished fire in the dining room after burning kitchen contents had reportedly been moved there.
One adult and one child were transported from the scene to a nearby hospital by ambulance, officials said. Two other people were evaluated for smoke inhalation at the scene but declined further medical treatment.
The incident was declared under control at 6:20 p.m., officials said. The fire is under investigation by the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Officials said the United States Fire Administration reports that cooking, by far, is the leading cause of
all residential building fires and injuries.
With Thanksgiving cooking around the corner, Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company is reminding residents to take the following actions in the event of a kitchen fire:
• Turn off the heat source if it is safe to do so.
• Cover the flames if the fire is small and manageable. Cover it with a metal lid or a baking sheet to smother the flames.
• Use baking soda or a fire extinguisher for grease fires. Do not use water, as it will spread the flames.
• Evacuate and call 9-1-1 for help if the fire is large or spreading. Do not attempt to fight a large fire yourself.
Officials said every household should have a fire evacuation plan that includes an outside meeting place
located a safe distance in front of the home.
And once you have evacuated, stay out of the house. Never got back into a burning home. If someone is missing, you are urged to tell the 9-1-1 operator and responding crews.