Fire Marshal Calls Brush Fire Arson

LOWER TOWNSHIP POLICE RELEASE:
NORTH CAPE MAY — On Monday, Aug.3, 2009 at approximately 7:20 pm, the Lower Township Police Communications Center began receiving multiple 9-1-1 calls of heavy black smoke coming from the woods just east of the Schooner Landing Section of North Cape May off of Heron Way.
Lower Township Patrol Officers responded to the area along with the Town Bank Volunteer Fire Department and the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service.
Several fire trucks were dispatched to protect dwellings in the area, while other firefighters fought the blaze.
Heavy black smoke from the fire could be seen for miles away.
The origin was determined to be an old trash pile that contained large plastic pipes, which were putting off black heavy smoke.
Once the fire was brought under control, members of the Cape May County Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the fire was intentionally set.
The arson is under investigation by the Lower Township Police Department and Cape May County Fire Marshal’s Office.
Citizens with information may contact the Lower Township Police Department’s Safe Neighborhoods Tip Line at 886-1619, ext. 156 or the Cape May County Crime Stoppers at 465-2800. Information may remain confidential and can be reported anonymously.