Wildwood Motel Fire Ruled Accidental, Officials Say

WILDWOOD, NJ — Tuesday's fire at Wildwood's Windward Motel was accidental, officials said.

The three-alarm fire was "caused by welding that was taking place on the property as part of renovations," according to an investigation by the Cape May County Fire Marshal's Office.

No injuries were reported and damage is estimated at $500,000, Wildwood Fire Department said.

The fire began before 11:30 a.m. at 3200 Beach Ave in Wildwood, the fire department said. Within an hour and a half, the fire was under control, but the second and third alarms were transmitted for extra manpower and station coverage, the fire department said.

Fire units were there for three and a half hours before clearing, the fire department said,

North Wildwood Fire Department, Wildwood Crest Volunteer Fire Department, Rio Grande Fire Company, Stone Harbor Volunteer Fire Company #1, West Wildwood Fire Department, Villas Volunteer Fire Department, Erma Volunteer Fire Company Station 62, City of Cape May Fire Department, Ocean View Volunteer Fire Company, Green Creek Fire Company, Cape May Court House Volunteer Fire Company and City of Wildwood Police Department assisted in putting out the fire.

The Wildwood Fire Department shared video and photos of the fire being put out.