Update:
South Shore Drive Reopened -
The remnants of the structure at 2322 S. Shore Drive rekindled at approximately 7:15 a.m. on Thursday, July 16. The structure was heavily damaged during a residential fire approximately 12 days ago. Although the original fire was extinguished, hidden pockets of heat can occasionally remain within damaged materials and structural voids. Under certain conditions, including changing weather, wind, and remaining fire load, those hot spots can reignite hours, days, or, in rare cases, even longer after the initial incident.
Surf City Fire Department crews were dispatched and took immediate suppressive action. Due to the need for hydrant access and fireground operations, S. Shore Drive was temporarily closed to traffic and motorists were rerouted around the scene.
As crews worked to extinguish the remaining fire, they determined that additional access to concealed burning areas was necessary. Crews used various resources, including heavy equipment, to gain access to the remaining burning areas and continued their suppression efforts.
Once substantial progress had been made, crews were able to reopen the roadway to traffic. Please remain alert, as emergency personnel and equipment may still be operating in the area.
S. Shore Drive in the 2300 block is currently closed in both directions. A temporary route has been established in the affected area. Please avoid travel if possible, slow down and obey all traffic directions.