Eleven people were displaced after a two-family dwelling caught fire Wednesday morning in Ventnor, Chief John Hazlett said.
The Ventnor Fire Department responded to a blaze in the first block of West Surrey Avenue at around 11:30 a.m.
“Heavy fire and smoke were showing at the rear of the building,” Hazlett said.
The first-floor unit was occupied, and everyone got out unharmed. The second-floor unit was searched and it was determined that the family was not home.
About 20 firefighters were on the scene.
“They were able to make an aggressive interior attack and keep fire damage to a minimum,” Hazlett said.
Utilities were shut off and representatives of the American Red Cross were called in to assist the displaced victims.
There was heavy smoke and fire damage to the first-floor unit. Smoke and water damaged the second floor as well.
According to the American Red Cross Southern Shore Chapter, the fire displaced two families: one with four adults and two young children and a family of two adults with three children ages 19, 18 and 13.
The families received assistance for food, clothing and lodging.
Contact Joel Landau:
609-272-7215
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Contact David Simpson:
609-272-7204
