Wildwood FMBA Local 50

On Sunday April 3, 2011 the Wildwood FD was dispatched on a box alarm assignment for a Dwelling Fire at 424 W. Taylor Ave. "D" Platoon under the command of Capt. Chris D'Amico responded with Engine 38. While enroute WPD Dispatch advised that there was a reported fire victim down in front of the dwelling. Rio Grande Volunteer Firefighter Mike Barth was in the area at the time of the fire. He noticed the occupant on the exterior steps. He assisted the occupant off of the steps onto the front lawn. Upon arrival Engine 38 found heavy smoke coming from the first floor of a 2-story duplex dwelling. They also found the female occupant on the front lawn suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. Engine 38 stretched a 1-3/4" attack line to the first floor and began fire suppression as other crew members began treating the victim. The crew encountered heavy fire conditions in the living room area of the dwelling. A primary search found no other victims inside of the dwelling. Additional responding Box alarm companies assisted with fire suppression, ventilation, search, and overhaul. The occupants of the second floor unit were able to escape on their own prior to FD arrival. Rio Grande FC Station 72 responded as the RIT. Wildwood Crest Rescue and Rio Grande Rescue also responded to the fire. 2 occupants from the second floor unit were evaluated on scene. The fire was quickly knocked down and placed under control within 10 minutes. The victim was treated on scene and then transported to Maxwell Field for the LZ. The patient was flown to Temple Burn Center in Philadelphia for treatment. The fire is under investigation by the Wildwood FD, Wildwood PD, and the Cape May County Fire Marshal's Office. Wildwood FD units operated on the scene for approximately 2.5 hours.