Fire damages store on Wildwood's boardwalk

A predawn fire of undetermined origin heavily damaged a sportswear store on the Wildwood boardwalk, police there said.

Andrew Granero, a Wildwood police officer, was on patrol when at 3:48 a.m. he reported the fire at Fortune Sportswear at 3212 Boardwalk, police said.

Ten residents of nearby apartments were evacuated safely, but smoke damaged three nearby buildings before the fire was brought under control within half an hour.

- Walter F. Naedele