WEST WILDWOOD, NJ — A family dog has died after being rescued from a fast‑moving house fire Friday morning on the 600 West block of Maple Avenue, according to fire officials.

Just after 9:00 a.m., Squad Co. 3 (C Platoon) and North Wildwood Fire Department Ladder Co. 2 were dispatched for a reported vehicle fire. As crews began responding, Cape May County OEM Dispatch received multiple 911 calls reporting that the flames had already spread to the home — and were threatening neighboring houses. The incident was immediately upgraded to a first‑alarm assignment, adding off‑duty Wildwood City firefighters, Wildwood Crest Volunteer Fire Department Tower 4, Rio Grande Fire Company Squad 72, and Stone Harbor Firefighters FMBA 151 Engine 13.

Upon arrival, Deputy Chief Dunn reported heavy fire showing on all three floors of a three‑story single‑family home, with serious exposure risks on both sides. A retired firefighter and his son had entered the home moments earlier and confirmed no residents were inside. A neighbor also told crews the family dog was still trapped upstairs.

Squad Co. 3 arrived in under two minutes and quickly knocked down the intense exterior fire. Firefighters from Squad Co. 3 and Ladder Co. 2 then launched an aggressive interior attack and search. Rescue Co. 3 located the dog on the third floor, removed it from the burning structure, and immediately began lifesaving efforts with Wildwood Crest EMS, including oxygen administration.

The dog was transported to a local veterinarian by WC EMS but later died from its injuries.

Fire crews placed the blaze under control within 30 minutes, preventing major damage to nearby homes. No civilians or firefighters were injured.

Investigators from the Cape May County Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire to be accidental, caused by a golf cart that had been exposed to floodwater during last weekend’s coastal flooding. The cart was parked beneath the upper‑level decks, allowing flames to rapidly climb the exterior and enter the home.

North Wildwood Police assisted at the scene, while the Villas Fire Company, Anglesea Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, and North Wildwood Volunteer Fire Co. #1 provided station coverage. Fire units remained on scene for approximately two hours.

Officials again urged residents to use caution with battery‑powered devices and vehicles exposed to floodwater, referencing a public safety announcement issued earlier this week.

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