On Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 12:34 A.M. Wildwood City Firefighters responded to 620 West Maple Avenue in West Wildwood for a reported dwelling fire. Squad 3, under the command of Firefighter Gerry Vessels, North Wildwood Quint 2 and West Wildwood Fire Department were initially dispatched. The all-hands was transmitted prior to any fire departments arrival due to the calls being received. Deputy Chief Ernie Troiano arrived on-scene and reported a three-story wood frame dwelling with heavy fire on floors two and three. Chief Daniel Speigel and West Wildwood Chief Leon Woodruff arrived, assumed command and requested a second alarm.

Crews operated under heavy fire conditions containing the fire to the building of origin. Buildings adjacent to the fire building also suffered heat, smoke and water damage. The building was occupied at the time of the fire. The occupants had evacuated prior to the fire department's arrival. One dog was rescued from the structure by firefighters and turned over to the home owners. The occupants were evaluated on scene but did not require transport. Additional search of the building confirmed all occupants were accounted for.
Fire was placed under control at about 01:45 A.M. The second and third floors of the dwelling sustained severe fire, smoke and water damage. Damage is estimated at $ 200,000.

Fire units operating on scene were Wildwood City, West Wildwood, North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, Rio Grande, Stone Harbor, Villas, Erma and West Wildwood Police. Cape May Fire, Green Creek Fire and Town Bank Fire covered the island. Ocean View Fire was added as an additional R.I.C.

Fire is being investigated by the Cape May County Fire Marshal's office. Fire units cleared the scene in about two and a half hours.