A fire destroyed two houses and damaged three others on Christmas in Slaughter Beach, according to authorities.

The blaze in the 300 block of Bay Ave. was reported shortly at 7 p.m. Monday, Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael G. Chionchio said in a release.

One woman was injured when she slipped as she tried to remove belongings from one of the homes. No other injuries were reported.

The Memorial Fire Company directed the efforts of more than a dozen fire companies from Kent and Sussex counties as they battled high winds, Chionchio said.

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Dozens of emergency vehicles from as far north as Little Creek helped fight the fire and carry water supplies to the scene.

Propane tanks were vented and burned off as firefighters fought the flames.

State fire investigators are at the scene investigating the fire's origin and cause, Chionchio said.

The heavy fire damage is expected to exceed $500,000, he said.

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