A massive fire erupted at the Burleigh Mini Storage facility in Cape May Court House, New Jersey, on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, causing extensive damage to over 50 storage units and leading to the hospitalization of one individual for smoke inhalation.

The blaze, which began around 8:50 a.m., presented significant challenges to firefighting crews due to its intensity and the presence of strong winds.

Incident Overview

The fire started at the storage facility located on the 660 block of Shunpike Road, near Indian Trail Road in Middle Township. An officer on patrol was alerted to the blaze and arrived to find the building fully engulfed in flames. Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick black smoke billowing from the structure, with some noting unusual occurrences during the incident. For instance, Phil Swetsky, owner of a nearby boat yard, observed, “It was pretty wild, something we don’t see every day here.”

Firefighting Efforts

Multiple fire departments, including units from Court House, Stone Harbor, and Rio Grande, responded to the scene. Firefighters faced difficulties due to the size of the fire and gusty winds, which not only intensified the flames but also caused small spot fires in the surrounding wooded areas. Middle Township Police Chief Tracey Super noted, “The wind was really gusting when the fire was going on, and we were dealing with some small fires across the street in the wooded area, but they were able to be maintained quite quickly.”

To combat the blaze, tanker trucks were utilized to supply water, and aerial ladders were deployed to douse the flames from above. Despite their efforts, the fire caused significant destruction, with the roof of the building collapsing and the contents of numerous storage units being lost.

Unusual Observations

During the firefighting operations, observers reported unexpected events. Videos shared on social media depicted what appeared to be fireworks igniting and shooting from the roof of the building amidst the flames. This suggests that some storage units may have contained combustible materials, which could have contributed to the rapid spread and intensity of the fire.

Casualties and Injuries

One individual was transported to a local hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. No other injuries have been reported at this time. Authorities have not released further details about the condition of the hospitalized person.

Investigation and Community Impact

The Cape May County Fire Marshal’s Office has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. As of now, no official cause has been identified, and officials are examining the possibility that stored items, such as fireworks or other flammable materials, may have played a role in the blaze’s origin and progression.

The destruction of the storage facility has had a profound impact on the local community. Many residents stored personal belongings, business equipment, and other valuables in the units. For example, Margaret McAteer from Wildwood Crest mentioned that her family’s possessions were stored at the facility while awaiting the completion of their new home. She expressed concern, stating, “I’m praying the fire doesn’t spread to our unit.”

Safety Measures and Precautions

In light of this incident, local authorities are urging individuals who utilize storage facilities to:

Avoid storing flammable or hazardous materials: Items such as fireworks, gasoline, or chemicals can pose significant risks.

Ensure proper insurance coverage: Verify that stored belongings are insured against potential hazards like fires.

Regularly inspect storage units: Periodic checks can help identify potential hazards or issues before they escalate.

Residents are also encouraged to report any suspicious activities or safety concerns related to storage facilities to local authorities promptly.

The devastating fire at Burleigh Mini Storage has resulted in substantial property loss and has deeply affected the Cape May Court House community. As investigators work to uncover the cause, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper storage practices and the need for vigilance in preventing such tragedies in the future.