Photos by Jackie Phy/A Ventnor City firefighter renders assistance to a displaced resident of an apartment on Little Rock Avenue, Thursday, Sept. 1.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
VENTNOR – At least seven residents of a three-story apartment building at 21 ½ S. Little Rock Ave. were displaced and one resident taken to the hospital when a fire ripped through a first floor efficiency apartment Wednesday, Sept. 1.
According to Fire Chief Michael Cahill, who was one of the first firefighters on scene after the fire was called in at 2:30 p.m., there was high heat and heavy smoke and because the unit was heavily involved, he was unable to get in the front door. An occupant of the 1st floor apartment was woken up by family members and taken to the hospital. The condition of the male, estimated to be in his 60s, is unknown at this time.
The location of the fire was in the kitchen area of the efficiency apartment, but the cause of the fire is still under investigation, Cahill said. Smoke detectors were installed and actively working in all three units upon arrival, he said.
A male victim in his 20s was trapped on the second floor, which had heavy smoke with some fire extension to an interior wall, but firefighters were able to get him out through a fire escape and extinguish the fire extension. He was treated at the scene. The third floor apartment had smoke damage. No information was available about the three occupants of the third floor.
A fire engulfed a first floor apartment at 21 1/2 Little Rock Ave. Thursday, Sept. 1.
Cahill said the fire rendered the entire complex uninhabitable. Gas and electric was turned off by the utility companies. The building had extensive interior damage on the first floor and considerable smoke damage in the units above. Cahill said he believes the damage is estimated at around $100,000, but that the building can be rehabilitated.
There was no damage to neighboring properties as residents were able to close their windows to prevent smoke infiltration. They were temporarily evacuated during the fire.
At least five fire units from Fire Station No. 1 and about 18 firefighters responded to the fire, with a Quint apparatus coming from Margate. The Margate Fire Department provided rapid intervention and backup for Fire Station No. 1.
The investigation commenced at 4 p.m. and firefighters cleared the scene about 6 p.m., Cahill said.
The Red Cross responded to the scene to offer relocation assistance to the residents, although some residents may be staying with family members, he said.
Ventnor residents have been quick to respond with assistance for the displaced residents.
Donations of clothing, household items and gift cards are being collected, resident Jackie Phy posted to the Ventnor Community Forum on Facebook.
She also noted that one of the residents is an Ocean City Police Officer, and that two small dogs were taken to the vet and are not doing well.
A list of clothing sizes and ages is posted on the Ventnor Community Forum. Donations can be brought to the Ventnor Farmers Market 8:30 a.m. to noon Friday, Sept. 3.
For more information, contact jackie.phy@gmail.com or toribrady11@yahoo.com.
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