AVALON – The Avalon Volunteer Fire Department battled a structure fire July 21 in a severe thunderstorm during the early morning hours.
At about 1:30 a.m., the department was called to a structure fire at a two-story, single-family dwelling located on the west block of 27th Street.
Lightning struck the fireplace chimney outside the home. That awakened family members who were sleeping. The occupants smelled smoke and immediately dialed 9-1-1.
When firefighters arrived, they found the lightning had jumped to the natural gas pipe feeding the fireplace. That resulted in a small gas leak in the corrugated stainless steel gas pipe connection at the appliance. The fire burned in the chimney area, fueled by natural gas and the wooden chimney enclosure.
No injuries resulted from the fire, which was battled in heavy rain and lightning by members of Avalon Volunteer Fire Department and Stone Harbor Volunteer Fire Department.
Emergency medical services for firefighters were provided by Avalon Rescue Squad and by Middle Township Volunteer Rescue Squad. The Stone Harbor Volunteer Fire Company provided backup at the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department during the structure fire.
The Cape May County Fire Marshal’s Office and Avalon Police Department participated in the fire investigation.
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