By MICHAEL FEELY

Staff Writer        

The island had some unexpected fireworks during the July 4 weekend. On Sunday night, July 3 lightning struck and blazed a home on Shipmaster Drive located on the water at St. George’s Thoroughfare Bay.

Engine 3, Truck 1 and Rescue 2 under the command of Lt. Chris Solari were the initial responding units. The alarm was received at 8:27 p.m. with the first trucks arriving on site at 8:32 p.m., according to the Fire Department.

Residents and visitors who were on the island at that time will remember the torrential rains, hail, and the resulting flooding. This created a challenge for the Fire Department.

The structure fire had engaged the roof, rear wall and deck of the house. The Fire Department recalled personnel who began roof operations. However, the roof attack crew from Truck 1 was unable to control the fast-moving fire in the attic of the structure.

This forced the interior crews to move to a defensive mode of attack. The department then sounded a general alarm.

Additional help was called for from local communities. Units responded from Atlantic City, Ventnor and Absecon.

The occupants of the home had evacuated safely prior to the arrival of the Fire Department. Firefighter John Hopkins, 33, only sustained minor injuries.

According to Fire Chief John Frugoli, one of the owners was out of the country building homes in Armenia for Habit for Humanity.

It is ironic that as the owner was building homes for the less fortunate, their own home was burning down.

The fire was brought under control at approximately 10 p.m. Units remained on site until 1:30 a.m.

Reports indicate that the building will be a total loss with damages estimated to be about $750,000.

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