UPDATED: Fire at Lulu M. Ross Elementary School Ruled Accidental

November 12, 2026/Mari Lou

UPDATED–11/12/26  Assistant State Fire Marshal B. Scott Bullock said at a news conference today that the fire that occurred on October 25th at Lulu M. Ross Elementary School in Milford was accidental. According to the State Fire Marshal’s Office investigation, the fire originated in a hallway wall display case with sliding glass doors, where a malfunction in an attached fluorescent light fixture sparked the blaze. The fire began and progressed in an area that contained combustible elements and had no fire or smoke detection devices. The specified area was the combustible top of the case, which is open to the area above the ceiling containing all the school’s mechanical systems. Bullock added that the investigation was complex and detailed, requiring many hours on the scene to determine the fire’s origin and cause. The total cost of the damage is still being assessed.

 

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UPDATED – 6pm – The investigation into the fire at Lulu M. Ross Elementary School Sunday morning continues by the Delaware State Fire Marshal. 

Investigators have determined that the fire originated in the Kent wing of the school. The cause is still under investigation. Investigators found no evidence of criminal activity at this time.
No injuries were reported. The building was heavily damaged during the fire, and no damage estimate is available.

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Image courtesy Georgetown VFC

UPDATED – 9:35am – Just before 4:30 Sunday morning firefighters from Carlisle Fire Company were called for a 3-alarm structure fire at Lulu M. Ross Elementary School in Milford. Arriving units found fire through the roof and additional companies were called for assistance or backup. The Delaware State Fire Marshal is investigating.

Milford School District officials report that it took firefighters about 3 hours to bring the blaze under control. Classrooms in the Kent and New Castle hallways have been heavily damaged as well as the library, lobby and front office areas. The school district’s crisis team will meet today to begin planning short and long term responses – including what teaching and learning will look like for the staff and students at Lulu M. Ross.

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ORIGINAL STORY – 7:30am – Just before 4:30 Sunday morning firefighters from Carlisle Fire Company were called for a structure fire at Lulu M. Ross Elementary School in Milford. Arriving units found smoke and fire and additional fire companies were called for assistance or backup. 

Command has sounded a third alarm and there are reports of fire through the roof of the school.  The State Fire Marshal is investigating.  

Pictures courtesy Georgetown Fire Company

 

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