NORTH WILDWOOD — A fast-moving brush fire fed by high wind damaged property and endangered local homes in the early morning hours of Sun. April 8.
According to North Wildwood Fire Chief Jeffrey Cole, the fire started under the Beach Creek Bridge and rapidly moved toward homes on Illinois Avenue.
Firefighters initially responding to the 12:38 a.m. blaze found a heavy wind threatening to move the fire, said Cole.
“It was a heavy and quick knockdown,” said Cole, noting offshore fire companies had to be called in for their tankers so the fire could be fought from atop the bridge. “It started under the bridge and worked its way to Illinois Avenue. When we got there it had threatened homes on Illinois Avenue.”
Cole said the recent lack of rain, along with the high winds created a perfect mix for the blaze. “The reeds are extremely flammable,” he said. “They burn fast, and everything is dry right now.”
At one point firefighters met with a “good block-long line of fire,” said Cole. “There were a couple of tense minutes out there.”
Westbound traffic on North Wildwood Blvd. was temporarily detoured.
A local business, 19th Hole Landscaping, sustained damage to outdoor property.
Responding to the scene were fire companies from North Wildwood, Wildwood, Court House, Rio Grande and Green Creek. Also responding were North Wildwood and Middle Township police, along with the Cape May County Fire Coordinator.
The Cape May County Fire Marshal’s Office is continuing its investigation. The fire has been ruled suspicious.
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