Mon, 12/01/2008 - 6:57am

Some Mental Problems???? That man is insane. It is a shame about the fire. Maybe now he will go away and live with his parents. Oh, maybe they wanted him here, away from them. Maybe one of the commissioners will fix up his house. This man is a time bomb waiting to go off!

Sun, 11/30/2008 - 12:38pm

mine are the north wildwood cops they do it all hahahaha yeaaaaaa

Sat, 11/29/2008 - 8:20am

Heros, we all need them. Mine happens to be Officer Phil

Fri, 11/28/2008 - 8:44pm

Congrats to the Wildwood FD for saving yet another home from burning completely to the ground. Despite what people say, the PAID fire department is definitly needed. If it was not for these men this house could have totally burned down. Luckily no one was injured.

Fri, 11/28/2008 - 11:11am

Whether the guy has some mental problems or not, he never hurt any anyone and for you to wish this type of harm to him, leads me to think your an arsonist. If anyone has lived through a house fire and the level of loss then you can feel the devastation that comes with this type of event. Beware of karma, you angry lonely little person.

Fri, 11/28/2008 - 7:00am

Yeah, Wouldn't? Because we all want scumbags in our town! We're happy to have all the ***. and spell amigos right ***!

Thu, 11/27/2008 - 10:56pm

ha! it was only a matter of time. that crazy has every dirtbag in the county in and out of there constantly. doing drugs and drinking right on the front sidewalk. a frie has finnally done what the authorities coukln't or WOULDN"T. adios' amegos.

Wed, 10/22/2008 - 6:29pm

The fire has been ruled as electrical fire. It started under the house in the crawl space at an electrical outlet in which the water pump had been plugged into.

Mon, 10/06/2008 - 4:08pm

Wanted to make a correction to the article, South Seaville and OceanView are the same fire company, OceanView Fire Co.

Mon, 10/06/2008 - 10:52am

Just an FYI - There is no South Seaville Fire Department, all firefighters are in the Ocean View Fire Company, with a substation on Main in South Seaville and a substation on Rt. 9 in Ocean View.....Two stations, one company. Thanks

Mon, 10/06/2008 - 8:45am

We would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support they have offered, and continue to offer. My children and are doing well, and are now living in Cape May Court House. The outstanding support of all the neighbors (you have all been amazing!) and public agencies have made this tragedy much easier to get through. We would like to thank ALL of the firefighters and emergency response people from all of the different boroughs for their excellent work and aftercare. I can not put in to words the immense gratitude I feel toward everyone. Thank you so much! With all your support, you have made this experience so much easier than anyone could have imagined. We will be fine!

Jennifer Jones

Sat, 10/04/2008 - 3:57am

The property is state land. The state is responsible for the demolition of all buildings and the maintenance, safety and security of the property. Either the state accepts that responsibility and provides adequate security for the safety of the people who enter and the land itself or just build a wall around it and let it go to wilderness. When the next fire, possibly caused by lightning, occurs we should put all our police and fire efforts into protecting the citizens and their homes that surround the area.

Fri, 10/03/2008 - 6:04pm

If IGNORANCE is BLISS,,,,the poster of 5:21 PM on 10/02/08 must be the most blissful person on earth.

Fri, 10/03/2008 - 9:22am

In regards to the comment from 10/2 What does the township have to do with taking down the property at the old ponder lodge? I was under the impression it belonged to the state and why are the police ***** If you are a resident here and feel the police do not protect you and your family you can move to phila and maybe take that retired super cop that is running for office back with you.

Thu, 10/02/2008 - 5:21pm

If they had just gotten rid of the buildings when they were going to there wouldn't have been this problem that probablly costed the township more money then they would have spent on demolishing the buildings. Our township is stupid and the cops are ***... I'd like to see them try to work up in Philly....***.

Wed, 10/01/2008 - 10:35am

So if I put the word *** in a post it gets asteriks through it. But someone puts in *** and *** and the herald lets that go? Now thats ***up!

Wed, 10/01/2008 - 6:57am

To 11:27am You are wrong. Lower Township residents, of which you are obviously not one, do not appreciate the state having bought the Ponderlodge out from under the township and county. It was a dirty underhanded deal brought about by a higher up policitian with ties to the Sierra club, who wanted to give this "gift" to his lobbyists. That is why it is under Fish and Wildlife and not Parks and Recreation. The people of Lower Twp. had more use for this area as the Ponderlodge, than they ever will as a unmaintained wildlife area. Your allegation that housing developments are destroying habitiat is bogus. Where are there new housing developments that encompassed 258acres around the Villas, North Cape May. There weren't any. Lower Twp. has done more than their "fair share" in contributing their land to "open space" for migratory birds and wildlife. While the birders may come and enjoy Lower Townships many thousands of acres of "open space" such as South Cape May (Lower Cape Meadows), Higsbee Beach, all the meadowland on Ocean Drive, the former oceanfront CG radar station land east of the canal, and the VWMA; the money you say they spend is not going being spent in Lower Township, so there is no "economic benefit" to Lower residents through "ecotourism". This undoubtedly helps Cape May, but does nothing for Lower.

Wed, 10/01/2008 - 12:16am

this place was a great place good fishing nice place to talk a walk ride a bike not many places in the villas can u say that most places have some run down *** begging for money for his beer or drugs . or u wake up at night to your truck on fire ya the villas is a great place huh? GOOD JOB to the firefighters them *** wake up at 12 to put out a fire that last till next day and many go to work that same day, if u asked ppl to wake up at any time of day to run into a burning building for free adn then to go to work same day i bet u wouldnt get many ppl to say yes.

Tue, 09/30/2008 - 2:44pm

That was not a Ranger but a Conservation Officer, there are no State Rangers anymore, they are State Park Police. This is a typical example of North jersey Politiicians not
having a clue about South Jersey, Lisa Jackson is responsible why did it take her 2 years to even look at the place. Welcome to Corzine's New Jersey

Tue, 09/30/2008 - 2:04pm

it's ashame that it took a fire to get something done to that place. now they need to get something done to the other building before this happens again. it'll only be a matter of time before the firefighters are back there again for the other building.

Tue, 09/30/2008 - 11:27am

I think the people of Lower Township should appreciate that they now have a large parcel of PUBLIC open space available to them for their active or passive recreation; something they didn't have before Green Acres purchased the 253 acres. The township had there chance but couldn't put together a solid plan for using the site and keeping costs down. Skinner is just plain crazy. She is just delaying the whole process. If she never would've gotten involved, then the buildings would already be demolished. The former golf course is going to be restored to enhance and restore habitat for wildlife. With housing developments destroying suitable habitat within the lower 10km, this restoration project will provide habitat for thousands of different species of birds which pass through the Cape during migration. And don't forget that when birders come from all over they usually stay in the area and spend there money here. So you all should be supporting ecotourism!

Tue, 09/30/2008 - 10:01am

This is truly a tradegy. Few people who live in the area will never understand the beauty that place once had to offer. Several people celebrated weddings,proms and family gathering there. My family spent many summers in Cape May and Ponderlodge became a part of us. I can not tell you how sadden I am by the events that took place there on Sunday evening.
I am aware of the fact that the state took over the property and never did anything with it. This place had so many facilities that could have been used for the community. It had basketball courts a softball field and a golf course not to mention a home for the animals. It is sad to see it destroyed. But it does not surprise me with the way state and local government runs things.

Tue, 09/30/2008 - 8:29am

Skinner is always getting in the way of progress, whether it's at the Ponderlodge or down in Cape May. When it's Cape May, often progress means fixing and restoring Victorian buildings and Skinner seems to fight it all. Look at her vociferous fight against the Congress Hall renovation, which was done for no reason other than her own house is next door and she didn't want to deal with the people and noise from a successful hotel operation. Guess what? You live next to a hotel that was built long before you were born, that's a price you pay.

It's frustrating to see any project done for the good of the town, continually being derailed by people like Barbara Skinner. More tax money is wasted on legal fees to fight these people than on the actual projects. Why not give the taxpayers a break and keep your mouth shut every once in awhile. And as for the Ponderlodge; it's a shame that it burned down and I would never condone anyone setting the fire for any reason. At least now the buildings can be demolished like they should have been.

Mon, 09/29/2008 - 10:08pm

It never ceases to amaze me that the vast majority of firefighters in the state of NJ are VOLUNTEERS - risking their lives for all of us. (LOSAP doesn't even begin to cut it as just compensation) And the fire companies accept applicants starting at age 16. Imagine...you can't drive w/o another licensed driver in the car with you, you can't purchase or use cigarettes or alcohol, or just do about anything else. But you are more than welcome to risk your life in a blazing inferno. Every taxpayer should say thank you to these brave young people and to all of our volunteer emergency personnel..and say a prayer for them, too. Car accidents, house fires, brush fires...well-trained, unpaid personnel respond...what a bargain!! Stay safe LT Vols!

Mon, 09/29/2008 - 7:17pm

I agree, people look beyond the new article,which is about a fire. These "volunteer" fireman, wake up, go to the fire, put it out. Risk their lives for others. See, a volunteer does things for their love of whatever they are voluntering for, In this case, the love of trying to save lives and property of others. thank god for them and pray you never need there assistance. I am unable to volunteer but am thankful for those who do!!!!

Mon, 09/29/2008 - 3:39pm

in response to Monday 10:36 am. There had been a ranger living onsite until the state removed him approx one month ago.

Mon, 09/29/2008 - 1:22pm

Instead of complaints, how about some big kudos to the men & women volunteer firefighters of our community. They are a strong cornerstone of our neighborhoods. We can sleep well at night knowing they are always there.
The members of these fine volunteer fire departments get up at all hours of the night and day to protect us and our property. We owe them a great deal of thanks and appreciation for all they do.
You are correct that the building was a kettle of trouble waiting to boil over, but there were some plans to use the facility as a positive outlet of training and knowledge. So please let us remember what is important here.
My fellow firefighters, thank you for the outstanding job you did on the Ponderlodge fire and every other call you answer. We of Lower Township and the surrounding communities can rest knowing that you are there for us.
God Bless our Fire Fighters!

Retired Brother
V F D

Mon, 09/29/2008 - 12:30pm

I hope now they will tear down these buildings before someone gets hurt or killed. The money spent on the firefight should justify (even to Barbara Skinner) that its time to do something with this property. Good Job to the Fire Companies involved. Just a note Green Creek Fire and West Cape May were on standby in the Villas and Town Bank Fire Stations not at the scene. WIldwood also had apparatus in Erma's Station

Mon, 09/29/2008 - 10:59am

Maybe Ms. Skinner can bring the inner city kids to come play in the rubble pile.

Mon, 09/29/2008 - 10:43am

Because it is secluded and hopefully people like you don't go there. Also, I don't have to worry about dogs barking at us and it is a nice long walk.

Mon, 09/29/2008 - 10:36am

Isn't there supposed to be a ranger that lives on site in one of the ranchers?
How often does he make rounds of the property? Maybe the state needs to supply more than one ranger to live onsite and patrol the property 24/7. Or get the state police to patrol it 24/7.
The state shouldn't have bought the property if they don't want to take care of it. They should sell it back to the township or the county.

Mon, 09/29/2008 - 9:11am

Local taxes being wasted as usual. What a shame. There were many private orginazations looking to utalize that facility. What benefit is the state giving to Lower Township for this property? It is a disgrace to this community(just like the condition of our COUNTY roads). The fire was bound to happen..thank GOD there was no human tragady.
Now I hope the STATE will open its eyes and maintain its TREASURED property before something worse happens. And by the way...what were the TOXIC chemicals burning that the firemen were warned about when arriving?

Mon, 09/29/2008 - 9:11am

Local taxes being wasted as usual. What a shame. There were many private orginazations looking to utalize that facility. What benefit is the state giving to Lower Township for this property? It is a disgrace to this community(just like the condition of our COUNTY roads). The fire was bound to happen..thank GOD there was no human tragady.
Now I hope the STATE will open its eyes and maintain its TREASURED property before something worse happens. And by the way...what were the TOXIC chemicals burning that the firemen were warned about when arriving?

Mon, 09/29/2008 - 9:00am

The Lower township leaders wanted to demolish these structures..Ms Skinner wanted to make good use of them for our community.Looks like some Jewish lightning to me.

Mon, 09/29/2008 - 8:16am

If you are so sickened by the conditons there why do you go there everyday?

Mon, 09/29/2008 - 7:16am

This is a classic example of why the State of NJ has no right buying up private property. This should have gone out to private bid like every other property that defaults on their taxes. And thus we wouldnt have come to this situation. As a matter of fact, this property would still be open if it was sold instead of seized. Now its an eye sore and always will be. What a waste!

Mon, 09/29/2008 - 5:53am

Well it finally happened. That place is a disgrace. I walk my dog there everyday and have been sickened by the conditions there. What a shame. This is just another example of Lower Township not being recognized by the leaders of our states. They probably don't even know they own this great piece of property. Makes me sick.

Tue, 06/24/2008 - 3:37pm

DELCO IS A JOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mon, 06/23/2008 - 6:26pm

The petty bickering about who does what in the fire service, and who gets paid and who doesn't is really juvenile. All firefighters involved did a great job containing the fire.

Mon, 06/23/2008 - 9:24am

I AM A VOLUNTEER AND FOR SOMEONE TO SAY THAT IT IS A WASTE OF TAXPAYERS MONEY YOUR THE DAMN JOKE. WE ARE VOLUNTEERS WE PAY TAXES TO AND DON'T GET PAID FOR HELPING OTHER PEOPLE. IF ALL THE COMPANIES DIDN'T RESPOND THEN THE WHOLE PIER PROBABLY WOULDN'T BE HERE RIGHT NOW. WHAT A JOKE ON YOU FOR COMPLAINING ABOUT A WASTE BECAUSE YOUR THE WASTE RIGHT NOW. I HOPE WHEN YOUR HOUSE IS ON FIRE AND YOU NEED FIRE COMPANIES TO COME, I HOPE NO ONE RESPONDS BECAUSE IT'S JUST A WASTE OF TAX PAYERS MONEY RIGHT?

Mon, 06/23/2008 - 8:55am

To the Delco firefighter, son you really need to go to fire school & learn what firefighting is all about. I am an Asst. Chief with over 30 years in the fire service and can tell that you don't have a clue about what you are talking about. If you respond to a large commercial structure in your area that is well involved, do you just show up with one station ? probably not, but then that would not be your call, it would be left to an officer that has some knowledge about firefighting. As a previous spouter stated, no all the companies called were on scene, alot were used to cover empty stations so all of the communities had proper fire protection during this incident. You also have to understand the actual location of the incident & the available fire hydrants. As this was a pier over the beach, alot of LDH was laid to the nearest larger mains. This takes alot of hose & manpower to accomplish in a timely manor. If you went to fire school at all you should know that you have to rehab your manpower. So if you are in rehab, who is fighting the fire? in your case of soo little forsight & knowledge, it must be the good firefighting fairies. I strongly suggest that that you sit down with your officers and request to be trained, then maybe you wouldn't go around spouting off your ignorance. Oh, and as far as me knowing what I am talking about, I am a 51 y/o Asst. Fire Chief with over 30 years experience, and as far as training, I have completed FF basic, Advanced, FF1, FF2, NIMS 100,200,300,400, 700, & 800, Incident Management level 1,2, & 3, and too many courses to count at the National Fire Academy in Emmittsburg Md.

Fri, 06/20/2008 - 4:47pm

No, what you were saying is you have a problem with the Morey's, and don't know the real story. The real reason behind the need for those fire companies. 1. Underneath that section of the boardwalk, if you didn't notice, were 4-5 trucks. Next to those trucks were bulldozers used to clean up the beach. Therefore, there was alot more burning than the boardwalk. 2. Fuel storage tanks for the race karts to the northeast side of the boardwalk, same side that burned, were near by. the concern was for a possible explosion. Which would inturn ignite other sections of the pier causing more damage and possible injury or loss of life. 3. Despite the fact it was 1:18 A.M., only two of those fire companies are paid. Wildwood runs one paid truck, staffed with 5 full crew, including driver. Same as North Wildwood. That means a possible 8 people fighting a fire that is beyond their control. So utilizing the resources around them, North Wildwood, West Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, Middle Twp., Lower Twp, and other fire and rehab units, more man power and equipment was garunteed. Additional to that, a percentage of those companies never made it to scene. They were requested for cover assignments. Stone Harbor and Cape May Court House were in Angelsea and North Wildwood. Green Creek covered Rio Grande. Cape May I believe was in Wildwood Crest. Avalon I think went to West Wildwood from what I heard. And I was in a dispatch listening and working some of the companies. So by saying ALL those companies were called for the Morey's is stretching it. Ask, before you run your mouth about people who are good for the city, about what the conditions surrounding the circumstances before running your mouth from another state.

Fri, 06/20/2008 - 1:39pm

To the spouter about "What a Joke" Come on now people, most of the Fire companies and Rescue units out there were Volunteer. That meant we were all sleeping at 1 in the morning, heard the pager go off, Jump out of bed and get dressed to go help those in need. So I dont want to hear that it was a waste of taxpayers money because its mainly all VOLUNTEER COMPANIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Which means we dont get paid.

I would like to thank all those others who were out there with me during the early morning hours, this shows who the Heroe's really are!! Lets keep up the good work.

Fri, 06/20/2008 - 10:51am

I would just like to mention that my husband left our family at 1:15 in the morning to respond to this call, and voluntarily put his life on the line, how dare all you idiots bash these brave men and women, my husband risks his life everyday to save others, if you can do a better job sign up you pansies.

Thu, 06/19/2008 - 4:17pm

Really you should think before you even talk! ( to the person that said "what a joke...." ) i agree with every poster here. Those firefighter have to wake up early and save places for our joy and pleasure. All we can do is take it for granted. Next time think about what you are saying and be happy and supported to those who work 24/7 to make our lives a better place. Thank you to all the firefighter who helped saved Morey's pier.

Thu, 06/19/2008 - 3:29pm

I still am a firefighter in DelCo and proud of it. However, the point I was making is that you people bend over backwards for the Morey's and particular people when others don't get half of the attention. The truth hurts!

Wed, 06/18/2008 - 5:05pm

to the person complaining about wasting tax dollars. How about when ur house is on fire ill make sure to let the companies know that its no big deal. I was one of the firemen who were there that nite. And if your such an expert on firefighting how bout u grow a set and do what we do u wouldnt last 5 minutes. U werent the one who was woke up at 1:15 am in the mornin fought a fire for 4 hours then cleaned up and did overhaulin til 10:00am. Lets see 9 hrs non stop yea i wouldnt even give you the benefit of 5 mins youd last a sec. And thank you to the others who support us. its appricated

Wed, 06/18/2008 - 6:06am

As for the rehab coment, the county has a north, central, and southern EMS task force for large incidents such as this for Ambulances from around the county. If you didnt already figure this out the incident was in the southern end so the northern EMS task force was utilized. In reply to the waste of taxpayer dollars, I wouldnt go so far as to insult the response of mulitple agencies. It may seem like overkill but with limited manpower and the neccesary rotation of the firefighters on scene to rehab, it is necessary. Monday morning quarterbacking is becoming very easy for the ignorant on here. applications are available at any vol. company if you want to join and the DOP has a good testing process for you if you want to try a career as a firefighter in NJ.

Tue, 06/17/2008 - 8:31pm

Hey there, pal, it will be a real joke when your house burns. For all those involved, the fire comanies, rehab units, local dispatchers, and everyone else involved, job well done. I would have been there fighting beside you but I was working, yet I was helping out. Don't be discouraged by this clown. He wouldn't have the half the amount of courage as us brothers do.

Tue, 06/17/2008 - 6:14pm

10:26 Pm, What would the better alternative be? Should the Fire Departments develop a list of those structures worthy of saving and allow the others to burn down? Wildwood FD could have allowed Morrey's to burn down and then the entire board walk and then the city as it spread. Think before you spout off on such a silly comment next time. And lots of thanks to the incredible volunteers from all over Cape May county who gave of their time to save Morrey's. They are true horoes who give all to save the life and property of everyone in Cape May County no matter who they may be. Perhaps next time it will be your home. They will respond, give it all they have and never ask if you support them or not.

Tue, 06/17/2008 - 5:42pm

To 10:26 pm-I hope & pray you or your family do not need a fire put out. This was a bad situation. If it took 100 fire companies, SOOOOO! What is this world coming to? To all of the fire companies involved-job well done!

Tue, 06/17/2008 - 1:35pm

thats crazy. i cant believe my seal ride is gone. I remember going on over and over as a little girl!! memories erased by fire are becoming more popular in the wildwoods

Tue, 06/17/2008 - 12:10pm

for the poster who said "WHAT A JOKE!" I can't wait to see your house burn down and see what you say after that.

>You must be a great person to sit back and criticize "mostly" VOLUNTEERS fighting a fire when you were sound asleep in bed.

Thanks

Tue, 06/17/2008 - 10:40am

10:26 PM, What would the alternative be? Are you suggesting that the Fire Departments have a list of worthy and unworthy property that would allow them to let certain fires burn. Sure, they could have let this fire burn the entire boardwalk and then the entire city. That would have been a much better idea. Get a clue before you make silly statements. Thanks to all the Volunteers who responded to the fire ground and for coverage. You are all heroes.

Tue, 06/17/2008 - 7:36am

I just wanted to say great job to all of the Police, Fire, and EMS personnel that responded to the call. I know that one individual who left feedback thought that it was a waste but I beg to differ. Rather than complaining, why don't you participate in an organization like one of the rescue squads. These individuals hear the pager go off at 1 am while you are sleeping and then go to work the next day on top of it. Besides, if the board walk goes up in flames, what does the island have to offer aside from a bunch of bars? Great job to all that helped and shame on those who dare to criticize.

Tue, 06/17/2008 - 7:31am

In reply to: Mon, 06/16/2008 - 10:26pm

Seriously??? Were you there? Maybe YOU could have done better by yourself, since you seem to know just how it SHOULD have been done!!! Why don't you step down off your soap box, and get more info before you bash anyone. This was a large fire, large exposures, with large propane tanks under the pier... Doesn't that call for a large response? And how many people were on each truck from each company? Maybe you only got four per truck, so a total of 44 firefighters? All you really succeed in doing is sounding like an ***, so quit the monday morning quarterbacking, and find something positive to say, PLEASE.

Tue, 06/17/2008 - 1:13am

Nice save to all involved. I have been a regular visitor to Wildwood for the past 25 years and I have seen some very intense fires. We have all seen how the dry wood and nice sea breeze can fan a fire out of control very quickly. Again, from one firefighter to an entire community, nice job!

Mon, 06/16/2008 - 10:26pm

It's nice to see the waste of taxpayer dollars and who gets the best service around here. All those fire companies for that? It wasn't a New York City highrise! I'm surprised they didn't fly the helicopters in with water. What a joke...

Mon, 06/16/2008 - 5:37pm

Great job to all companies involved. This fire would have caused extensive damage to the Pier were it not for an aggressive fire attack and grueling hand jacking of 5 inch large diameter water supply hose and hand stretching of 2 & ½ inch fire attack hose. Fire companies from the north sector of Cape May County including Marmora and Seaville were dispatched due to limited available manpower in the southern sector.

Mon, 06/16/2008 - 2:12pm

What about rehab?
Wildwood
Wildwood crest
North Wildwood
Rio Grand
Middle Township
Belleplain Emergency Corp.
Stone Habor
Upper Township
Ocean City

Mon, 06/16/2008 - 8:45am

Just in case you guys want to know what fire companies were there, here is a list:
Wildwood
North Wildwood
West Wildwood
Wildwood Crest
Stone Harbor
Avalon
Cape May Court House
Rio Grande
Green Creek
Erma
Cape May
Villas
Town Bank
Seaville
Marmora