Contributed by: CBrining
The fire started at about 5:50 p.m. in an unoccupied unit on the first floor near the stairwell, Fire Chief Frank Denan said. The first units arrived a few minutes later to see heavy flames coming from the roof and immediately called a second alarm.....Continue Reading
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The first responding truck carried 1,000 gallons of water and immediately began dousing the flames, Denan said. Other units accessed fire hydrants in the complex and on Somers Point-Mays Landing Road.
Two units in the eight-unit building were heavily damaged, and two more sustained serious smoke and water damage, Denan said. But gas and electricity were shut off to the the entire building, which will be unlivable for several days.
Police Lt. Michael Sweeney was the first officer on the scene and went from door to door in the building to make sure everyone got out safely, Denan said.
The fire was under control at about 7:30 p.m., Denan said. The cause remains under investigation.
Residents, some inadequately dressed to protect themselves in the rapidly chilling night, waited outside while two ladder trucks sprayed water on the fire from above.
Steven Curran said he was taking a shower inside his unit when a neighbor called 911 and "knocked on our door and said, 'Everyone get out, the back of the building is on fire.'"
That neighbor and an arriving police officer made sure the building was clear, said Curran, wearing a coat provided by the neighbor and his wet towel at his feet.
Erin Walker, who lives on the first floor, said she came home and saw the flames. Her boyfriend, who wasn't home at the time, was worried about a pet turtle trapped inside.
After the fire was under control, Walker and her boyfriend, Paul Hornig, were allowed back inside and retrieved the turtle's tray and their Valentine's Day balloon.
"Timmy made it!" Hornig said with relief as he saw the small diamondback turtle moving in his dish.
Hornig said he was at a local tavern when Walker called him, and he rushed back home.
"I always thought I'd see this on TV and not be part of the story," he said.
In addition to the Somers Point company, firefighters from Northfield, Scullville, Bargaintown and Seaville responded, while the Longport company stood by in the station. The Linwood Emergency Medical Services responded, as did the Somers Point Auxiliary to provide refreshments for those battling the flames.
About a mile stretch of Somers Point-Mays Landing Road was closed for hours while firefighters battled the flames.
Mayor Jack Glasser came to the scene and said the firefighters did a good job.
"I can't overcongratulate this fire department in the way they responded," along with the other companies from out-of-town, Glasser said.
E-mail Elaine Rose: ERose@pressofac.com
This story was taken from the news source stated above. It is not necessarily the opinion of The Elwood Vol Fire Company or it's members.
Elwood Fire Rescue
https://www.evfc160.com/main/article.php/20090218082357899
