Photo by Louis Monzo
Police also investigating a criminal matter at the site
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
VENTNOR – A Ventnor City firefighter was injured Tuesday night while battling a two-alarm fire at 6812 Ventnor Ave., the site of White Star Liquors. The Ventnor City Police Department is also investigating a “potential criminal” matter, Police Chief Joseph Fussner said.
Firefighter Matthew DiCerbo was treated at an area hospital and release around 1 a.m. after breaking his hand trying to push open a door.
Ventnor City Fire Department
Fire Chief Michael Cahill said the call of a working fire came in at 9:38 p.m. and the fire was brought under control at 12:30 p.m.
He said the fire started in the rear of the first floor of the White Star Liquors building and extended into the second floor and through the roof.
One occupant self-evacuated the building. No other injuries were reported.
Cahill said the building had two apartments on the second floor, but a staircase to one of them had been removed for a construction project.
“It was all chopped up inside and the staircase was missing, which it made it difficult to access the fire,” he said.
The first floor of the building includes the liquor store, office and storerooms, which were packed with items unrelated to the liquor store operation, he said.
The fire is under investigation to determine the exact cause and origin, Cahill said.
The second alarm brought in the Margate Fire Department for assistance, and Longport Volunteer Fire Department was called to supply a special engine, Cahill said.
Fussner said Ventnor detectives are investigating a “potential criminal matter” at the site and that detectives are in consultation with other agencies.
No further information was provided at this time.
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