Wildwood FMBA Local 50

On February 25, 2011 at approximately 17:20 the Wildwood FD was dispatched on a box alarm assignment to 211 W. 17th Ave. in North Wildwood for a working dwelling fire. Engine 38 was committed at the time of this incident with a utility pole down on Pacific Ave. The island was experiencing very high wind conditions at the time with wind gusts between 50-60 mph. Upon arrival firefighters found very heavy fire conditions in a 2 story private dwelling with live power lines down and arcing in front of the dwelling. Due to the high winds initial units were confronted with severe fire conditions that were exposing a 2 story duplex on the Delta side of the original fire building. Due to the heavy fire conditions initial units had to be withdrawn and exterior defensive operations initiated. Units checked the Delta exposure for fire extension. There was no fire extension inside of that dwelling however there was smoke in the dwelling and some damage to the exterior of the dwelling. Once the heavy fire conditions were knocked down, crews entered the original fire building to complete extinguishment. Fire crews had to contend with multiple hidden pockets of heavy fire within the dwelling. Crews also found that the dwelling had a "rain roof" installed with heavy fire conditions located on the underside of this roof. Crews worked for about 3 hours to complete extinguishment and overhaul. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the original fire building under extreme fire and wind conditions. WFD units returned to service at 20:35 hours. Several other fire and medical incidents were handled in the City of Wildwood during this fire.