Early Morning Blaze Damages Unoccupied Structure

WILDWOOD – According to a release by Fire Chief Daniel Speigel, Wildwood’s Squad 3 answered a call March 7.
The squad, under the command of Capt. James Grauel, discovered a working fire March 7 at 1:15 a.m. on the second floor of the two-story duplex wood-frame building in the 300 block West Poplar Avenue, Wildwood. 
An all-hands alarm was sounded that brought Wildwood Crest Tower 4 and Rio Grande Rescue 72 (R.I.T.) to the scene.
Deputy Chief Ernie Troiano III arrived on scene and assumed command. Squad 3 and Quint 2 crews forced entry, searched the two units and began to extinguish the fire on the second floor. The building was unoccupied at the time and under renovation.
The second floor sustained significant fire and smoke damage with the first floor sustaining smoke and water damage.
Damage to the building was estimated at $50,000.
The Wildwood City Fire Department and the Cape May County Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating.
Stone Harbor Squad 13, Wildwood Crest Emergency Medical Service and West Wildwood Engine 21 provided coverage for the island during the incident.
Wildwood police also on scene assisting. One firefighter sustained a hand injury during the incident and was treated on the scene.
Fire units cleared the scene by 3 a.m.