At 9:34 A.M. on Monday, December 21st the Cape May Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire on Indiana Avenue.
Engine 51 arrived on scene to see flames coming from the rear of the house and the First Alarm assignment was transmitted.
Source Cape May Professional Firefighters Facebook page.
From the time of dispatch to water on the fire was less than 5 minutes according to officials. The melted siding observed on the adjacent structure required protection by firefighters.
By signaling for a first alarm, all off-duty personnel and mutual aid from surrounding departments including a ladder truck and engine from West Cape May, respond for assistance.
Additionally, an engine from Erma was placed in service and available on the scene. Coast Guard units were not available for this alarm due to COVID restrictions on base.
Fast Response
Fire Departments from the surrounding area responded to Station 51 Firehouse on Jefferson Street for coverage to respond to any new fire calls as Fire Chief Alex Coulter ran operations on Indiana Avenue.
Multiple hand lines were placed in service, and the fire was contained in 30 minutes. Overhaul operations continued for approximately two hours. No residents or firefighters were injured.
The fire is under investigation by the Cape May County Fire Marshals Office and the Cape May Fire Prevention Bureau.
This is just another example of why having a career Dept is so vital to Cape May. The quick response saved this house.
As of this report, the occupants were able to remain in the house. Though no request for assistance came forth, anyone wishing to drop off gift cards from Wawa or grocery stores can do so at the Cape May Fire Department or Police Department. From there they can be forwarded to the family.
Justin Mattes, Cape May County FireWire, and the Cape May Firefighters Facebook page contributed to this report.
It is just wonderful that no residents or firefighters were injured!
Huge Thank You’s to all the heroic Cape May firefighters, and to Fire Chief Alex Coulter.
Huge Thank You’s to the Fire Departments from the surrounding areas for so heroically rushing in to help, in Cape May’s time of need.
It is fortunate that with the quick containment of this fire, the residents have so far been able to stay in their home. I am sure that is a comfort.
My heart goes out to this poor family. But I am glad that the situation is not worse than it was. I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, John, for your reporting.
So proud of the Cape May Fire Department and the brave men and women who make it GREAT! Also proud of our neighboring town that are always ready to respond when needed.
We are blessed to live in such a wonderful place and what a blessing for the residents that were affected and whose home was saved by the quick and professional response by our local “heroes”.