Middletown, DE (December 14, 2025) – State fire officials are investigating a residential fire that occurred Friday afternoon, December 12, in a Middletown community and resulted in multiple occupants being injured. The incident took place in the Villagebrook Trailer Park, where emergency crews responded to reports of a structure fire involving a residential unit along Cleaver Farms Road.
According to information released by New Castle County Paramedics, emergency responders were dispatched to the scene at approximately 1:15 p.m. after receiving reports of an active fire with occupants inside the residence. Upon arrival, fire and medical personnel confirmed that a structure was actively burning and that several individuals had been exposed to hazardous conditions within the home.
Firefighters worked quickly to suppress the flames while paramedics focused on evaluating and assisting the occupants affected by the fire. Two individuals were determined to require immediate hospital care due to the severity of their injuries. Both patients were transported from the scene to Christiana Hospital in Stanton by New Castle County Paramedics aboard an ambulance operated by the Volunteer Hose Company.
Authorities reported that one of the injured individuals was an approximately 77-year-old man who sustained burns to his extremities and was believed to have suffered possible smoke inhalation. His condition was described as critical at the time of transport. A second patient, an approximately 75-year-old woman, was reported to be in serious condition and was believed to have sustained possible internal injuries along with smoke inhalation. The extent of her injuries has not been publicly detailed beyond these preliminary assessments.
A third individual present at the scene was evaluated by paramedics but declined transportation to a medical facility. No additional information has been released regarding that individual’s condition. Fire crews continued to secure the area while ensuring that no additional hazards remained following suppression efforts.
Multiple agencies assisted in responding to the incident, reflecting the seriousness of the fire and the need for coordinated emergency operations. Responding agencies included New Castle County Paramedics, the Volunteer Hose Company of Middletown, Odessa Fire Company, Townsend Fire Company, and Port Penn Fire Company. The coordinated response allowed for rapid medical care, fire suppression, and scene management.
The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office has assumed responsibility for investigating the cause and origin of the fire. At this time, officials have not released information regarding how the fire started or whether any contributing factors have been identified.
Our best wishes are with the individuals injured in this fire, and we hope for a swift and complete recovery for those affected.
Residential Fires, Injuries, and Recovery Options in Delaware
Residential fires continue to pose serious risks to occupants across Delaware, particularly for older individuals who may have limited mobility or underlying health conditions. Fires can escalate quickly, exposing residents to extreme heat, smoke, and toxic gases before escape is possible. Even when flames are contained, smoke inhalation alone can cause significant and lasting health complications.
Injuries commonly associated with residential fires include burns, respiratory injuries from smoke inhalation, internal trauma, and complications related to oxygen deprivation. Burns to the skin and extremities may require extensive medical treatment, including surgery and long-term rehabilitation. Smoke inhalation can lead to lung damage, cardiac complications, and other serious medical conditions that may not be immediately apparent.
Beyond physical harm, residential fires often result in substantial financial and personal losses. Medical expenses can accumulate rapidly, particularly when hospitalization, specialized treatment, or ongoing care is required. Individuals injured in fires may also face time away from work, reduced earning capacity, and the emotional strain associated with displacement or property damage.
When a residential fire causes injuries, affected individuals may have options for pursuing compensation, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Claims may help address medical costs, future treatment needs, lost income, and other damages related to recovery. In cases where negligence, faulty equipment, or unsafe conditions contributed to a fire, investigations can play a key role in determining responsibility.
Fires in residential communities highlight the importance of fire safety measures, proper maintenance, and rapid emergency response. While investigations continue to determine the cause of this Middletown fire, those impacted are encouraged to focus on recovery and to seek reliable information about the resources and options available to them.
If you or someone you care about was injured in a residential fire in Delaware, do not delay in seeking help. Call Murphy & Landon at 302-472-8100 today for a free consultation with our personal injury lawyer.
Note: Our law firm utilizes secondary sources to create this post. The facts surrounding this specific accident have not been independently verified. Please contact Murphy & Landon if you find any inaccurate information. We will update the post right away to reflect the most accurate information available.
Disclaimer: None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. This is not a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, get medical attention as soon as possible. The photo used in this post was not taken at the accident scene.
