Pet alligator dies in Claymont apartment fire

Firefighters rushed to a two-alarm fire Friday morning at Woodacres Apartments in Claymont apartment building that killed a pet alligator. 

The baby alligator, about 12 to 18 inches long, was in an aquarium in the apartment where the fire began, Fire Chief Mark Harris of Claymont Fire Company said. 

The structure fire is reported to have started about 9:55 a.m. at the Woodacres Apartment Homes at 902 Cedartree Lane, according to the Claymont Fire Company's website. 

The fire began on the third floor and spread to the attic quickly. The top floor and attic were heavily damaged by fire and smoke, Harris said. 

Firefighters from several companies from Pennsylvania and Delaware were called to the blaze. The fire was declared under control in about one hour. 

About 10 apartment units in the garden-style apartment building may have been affected. Several were severely damaged or destroyed. Fire marshals estimate several hundred thousand dollars of damage to the building. 

Fire marshals ruled the fire accidental Friday afternoon. 

One person was evaluated by emergency personnel for smoke inhalation, but declined medical treatment, Harris said.

Red Cross is helping the displaced families, but Harris said it is unsure how many residents need temporary placement. 

Contact Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299, eparra@delawareonline.com or Twitter @eparra3.

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