No Injuries in Erma Fire

ERMA – Erma Volunteer Fire Company responded to the 800 block Meadowview Road in Erma for a reported structure fire around 12:15 p.m. May 3.  
Upon arrival, firefighters found fire covering the front of the house, primarily the front door, according to Chief Dave Lepor. The fire took 20 minutes to put out.
One person was home at the time of the fire, and was able to evacuate. No injuries were reported.
Fire companies from Villas, Town Bank, and Rio Grande responded, along with Lower Township Rescue Squad, Lower Township Police Department, Cape May County Fire Marshal, and a Lower Township fire official from Lower Township Bureau of Fire Safety.
According to Lepor, the fire is “believed to be accidental.” The cause is under investigation by the Cape May County Fire Marshal.
Lower Township Police Department released the following May 4:
Lower Township Police Department received a 911 call from a resident reporting a structure fire with visible flames and heavy smoke on the 800 block Meadowview Road in Erma May 3 at approximately 12:14 p.m. 
The first person to arrive on scene was Lower Township Police Capt. Martin Biersbach, who confirmed that the sole occupant of the residence had safely escaped the flames. Biersbach, Patrolman Louis Bartleson, and Patrolman Robert Fessler began to knock on doors and evacuate the neighboring residents for their safety. Additional Lower Township Police Officers redirected traffic from the area on Route 9. 
Firemen from Villas, Town Bank, Erma, and Rio Grande Volunteer Fire Companies responded to the scene and the fire, which caused extensive interior damage, was quickly extinguished. 
The resident, who was uninjured in the fire, refused treatment by Lower Township Rescue Squad personnel. He was provided assistance by Cape May County Social Services and the Red Cross.
The cause of the fire, which does not appear to be suspicious, is under investigation at this time.
Video by Robert Newkirk.