UPDATE: 7 Escape Burning Building; Uncle Drops 2 to Safety

WILDWOOD CREST – Wildwood Crest Police responded to 5508 Park Boulevard for a reported fully-engulfed structure fire at 6:20 p.m. March 27.  
Cpl. Chris Webb and Patrol Officer Neal Cullen arrived to find the multi-family dwelling occupied with adults and children.
As smoke and fire billowed out of the apartments, Patrol Officer Cullen and Wildwood Crest Volunteer Firefighter Robert Murray, forced their way into a second floor apartment and removed an elderly female and her dog. Webb entered a first floor apartment and removed three adults, a child, and their dog. After doing so Webb, along with civilian John Lynch, civilian Zach Ruffo, and Holly Beach Volunteer Firefighter Battalion Chief Ernest Trioano, Jr., physically caught two children that were dropped to them by an adult from a second floor balcony. The male who dropped the children is the childrens’ uncle. He escaped the burning building by jumping from the second floor to a garage roof and then to safety. None of the children were injured.
Wildwood Crest Volunteer Fire Company along with Wildwood City Fire and Rescue fought the blaze and had it under control and extinguished within 20 minutes.
Wildwood Crest Rescue and Middle Township Rescue provided medical assistance. One female from inside the building was transported to Cape Regional Medical Center due to smoke inhalation. No injuries were reported from any police officers or firefighters. 
West Wildwood Fire Department, Rio Grande Fire Company, and The American Red Cross also responded. 
The Cape May County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated and has determined the fire to be accidental but has not released the exact cause. 
At 1:42 a.m. March 28, Wildwood Crest Police responded to the same location, 5508 Park Boulevard, to find the property remains fully engulfed by fire. Wildwood Crest Volunteer Fire Department and Wildwood City Fire and Rescue responded and had the fire under control within 30 minutes.
Wildwood Crest Rescue also responded. No injuries were reported. 
The Cape May County Fire Marshal’s office responded and ruled this fire was caused by rekindling from the previous fire.