Fire displaces 11 from North Beach duplex

Written by SHAUN SMITH Friday, January 04, 2013 01:00 am

VENTNOR – A fire the day after Christmas displaced 11 people from a duplex in the NorthBeach section of town.

The Ventnor City Fire Department responded to a call that came in at about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26 at a duplex at 3 S. Surrey Ave.

According to Chief John Hazlett, there was smoke showing from the first floor unit when fire companies arrived. Firefighters had the fire under control in about 30 minutes and were on scene for more than an hour. The water, gas and electric companies were also on scene for utility assistance.

“The guys were able to make a quick interior attack and mitigate the situation that could have been a lot worse. The guys did a great job,” said Hazlett.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by Capt. Jim Culbertson.

The structure sustained approximately $140,000 in damage, according to Hazlett, who said there was heavy smoke, fire and water damage to the first floor and damage to the second floor as well.

The first-floor dwelling was occupied, and its residents were rescued during the fire. The second level was unoccupied at the time, Hazlett said.

A total of 11 people were displaced from the two units due to damage.