SURF CITY – The preservation of life and property comes first when it comes to any emergency management services. And, when a fire hits home – it’s even more personal.
The Ocean County Fire Marshall determined that an electrical malfunction caused the fire at the Surf City Firehouse just days before Christmas on December 22. Although one firefighter was hurt, his injury was minor and treated at the scene.
Reports indicate that the fire occurred in the apparatus bay of the Firehouse. Authorities credited one of their own firefighters with noticing the company’s fire siren was sending out a steady blast. The programmed alert served as an indicator that the firehouse’s own fire alarm system had gone off.
When the investigating firefighter left home to check why the alarm had gone off, he came upon heavy smoke and flames inside the apparatus bay. The call to 911 resulted in a response team from members of the local fire company.
“The fire was right next to our primary engine,” said Peter Hartney, Surf City Volunteer Company and EMS president. “We got the fire knocked out with fire extinguishers and were able to get the engine out and turn it on and pump it.”
The good news is the only harm to the fire company’s equipment and ambulances resulted from soot. Fortunately, there are no costs or concerns regarding vehicle replacements.
Hartney said that the building was literally belching smoke and any equipment inside the building needed to be cleaned. A vehicle marked Disaster Recovery Team had already made it to the scene to start the work by Christmas Eve.
The next step will be to restore the building, which sustained damage as a result of the fire.
“It’s a cinderblock building,” said Hartney. “We’re talking about rebuilding the ceilings and the electric system.”
The Surf City Fire Company remains on call to respond to fires, although they’ve moved their apparatus to other locations on Long Beach Island. One of the trucks is at the Ship Bottom Firehouse, which also has agreed to store the local company’s gear.
According to Hartney, Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy arranged for a trailer next to the fire company’s building through its Emergency Management office. The trailer has already been set up with tables and chairs so that it can be used as interim office space.
Donations to assist the volunteer fire company and EMS services began coming in immediately after notice of the blaze. As part of a collaboration with Jetty-Life, the department released a Surf City Strong shirt and sweatshirt.
Those wishing to make financial donations to assist the volunteers in their efforts may do so by using their Venmo account @station49.
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