Fire tragedy averted at 109 S. Granville Ave. in Margate.
MARGATE – An observant 5-year-old who spotted smoke coming from a neighboring house helped to avoid a tragedy by quickly alerting her parents who called 911 to report a fire at a Granville Avenue home.
“This fire could have been a lot worse if it was not for the heroic actions of 5-year-old Lily Blecker,” Chief Dan Adams said Monday. “Lily should be commended for knowing what to do when she saw the fire and alerting her parents immediately who called 911.”
The Margate City Fire Department was dispatched to 109 S. Granville Ave. at 8:22 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 25 for the report of a fire with smoke coming from the beach side of the home.
Lily, who resides in Brooklyn, was staying at the home of her grandparents for the Thanksgiving weekend.
Upon arrival, Lt. Brad Eissler confirmed smoke and a working fire and took command with Quint 24 hooked up to a nearby fire hydrant. Engine 21 provided a second line from another fire hydrant.
Off duty personnel were called to the scene to assist with firefighting operations and provide fire and EMS coverage for the rest of the city.
The fire was confined to an exterior wall and was quickly extinguished. A request for a second alarm from Longport was cancelled. Upon opening the wall directly behind the fire and gaining access to the building, firefighters were assured there was no extension of fire into the residence.
The fire was declared under control at 8:45 a.m. The Building Department was notified of the incident and a notification was made to the mayor and commissioners.
Ventnor City Fire Inspector Capt. Kyle Smith confirmed the cause of the fire was electrical and ruled out any other source of ignition.
Adams said it was the second time there was a fire at the residence.
“We had the exact same fire at the same location four to six years ago,” he said.
All units cleared the scene at 9:53 a.m.
“The Margate City Fire Department is grateful and thankful for Lily’s quick actions averting a potential tragedy.”
