A 58-year-old man is in serious condition after a home near Newark caught fire Monday evening.
The man, who was not identified, suffered smoke inhalation and was taken to Christiana Hospital for his injuries, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
EARLIER FIRE:2 dogs die in Georgetown house fire caused by appliance malfunction Monday: Fire marshal
WEEKEND BLAZE:At least two people hospitalized in Brandywine Hundred fire Saturday
The Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company responded around 5 p.m. Monday to the first block of Montrose Drive in Brookside Park, where smoke was pouring from the rear of the home, fire marshals said.
Deputy fire marshals ruled the blaze accidental, set when a cigarette ignited a mattress. The man dragged the mattress outside, damaging items on the rear porch, fire officials said.
FATAL FIRE:1 dead in a fire that damaged a home near Millville, state fire marshal says
Smoke detectors were operable in the home, fire marshals said.
Officials estimated the cost of damage to be $20,000.
