WILDWOOD – A wind-fueled fire that prompted two alarms resulted in major damage to a West Andrews Avenue home on Friday, Nov. 22.
The first alarm, at about 4:20 p.m., dispatched fire crews to the 400 block of West Andrews Avenue on a report of a dwelling fire. Fire Chief 3 out of Wildwood arrived on the scene and reported heavy fire showing from the rear of a three-story single-family dwelling. Squad Company 3, D Platoon, arrived in two minutes and began an interior attack on the blaze.
At about that time heavy fire engulfed all three floors of the dwelling, and a second alarm was sent. According to the Wildwood Fire Department Facebook page, the fire was wind-driven, with strong, gusty winds during the incident.
North Wildwood Fire Department Ladder Co. 2 arrived and began a search for any occupants, but it was determined that no one was inside the dwelling at the time of the fire.
It was brought under control in just under 30 minutes. The house suffered heavy fire damage, and the blaze is under investigation by the Cape May County Fire Marshal’s Office. There were no injuries. Fire units were at the scene for just over two hours.
Off-duty Wildwood firefighters were recalled and assistance was provided by fire departments from Wildwood Crest, Rio Grande, Stone Harbor and Villas, which were assigned various fire-suppression duties. The Erma Volunteer Fire Company provided coverage for the island along with the Anglesea and North Wildwood volunteer fire companies. The Middle Township Ambulance Corps provided rehab on scene for personnel, and Wildwood Crest EMS provided on-scene services. Wildwood Police Department officers assisted as well.
Contact the reporter, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
