WEST WILDWOOD – City of Wildwood firefighters responded to the 600 block West Maple Avenue in West Wildwood for a reported dwelling fire at 12:34 a.m. Dec. 21.
According to a release, Squad 3, under the command of firefighter Gerry Vessels, North Wildwood Quint 2, and West Wildwood Fire Department were initially dispatched. The all-hands was transmitted prior to any fire departments’ arrival due to the calls being received.
Deputy Chief Ernie Troiano arrived on scene and reported a three-story wood frame dwelling with heavy fire on floors two and three. Chief Daniel Speigel and West Wildwood Chief Leon Woodruff arrived, assumed command, and requested a second alarm.
Crews operated under heavy fire conditions, containing the fire to the building of origin. Adjacent buildings also suffered heat, smoke, and water damage.
The building was occupied at the time of the fire. The occupants had evacuated prior to the fire departments’ arrival.
One dog was rescued from the structure by firefighters and turned over to the homeowners. The occupants were evaluated on scene but did not require transport. Additional search of the building confirmed all occupants were accounted for.
The fire was placed under control at about 1:45 a.m. The second and third floors of the dwelling sustained severe fire, smoke, and water damage. Damage is estimated at $200,000.
Fire units operating on scene were Wildwood, West Wildwood, North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, Rio Grande, Stone Harbor, Villas, Erma, and West Wildwood police. Cape May, Green Creek and Town Bank fire departments covered the island. Ocean View was added as an additional Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC).
The fire is being investigated by the Cape May County Fire Marshal’s office. Fire units cleared the scene in about two and a half hours.
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