LONGPORT - According to Longport Police, a potentially dangerous fire involving a local restaurant food truck was quickly contained through the quick action of bystanders and police.
Special Law Enforcement Officer I Rodriguez was on routine patrol Sunday, July 27, when he noticed a large plume of black smoke coming from a driveway at 5 S. 28th Ave., where a food truck from Betty’s Seafood Shack in Margate was parked. When he arrived, he saw flames coming from the truck’s generator and workers using a garden hose to try to extinguish the flames.
Rodriguez immediately retrieved a fire extinguisher and working alongside the food truck employees, was able to suppress the flames before they spread further. He quickly radioed for additional assistance, and Officer Jonathan Saggese arrived on scene to aid a young adult male who had suffered moderate burn injuries.
The Longport Fire Department responded and ensured the fire was fully extinguished and the generator no longer posed any risk. Fire personnel also provided continued care to the injured man. The individual was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The Longport Police Department urged residents and business owners to keep a working fire extinguisher nearby and to always call 911 immediately during emergencies. Having proper tools on hand and acting quickly can make all the difference in such an incident, they said.
“We’re especially grateful to the food truck employees and nearby bystanders who jumped into action alongside our officers. Their quick thinking helped prevent further injuries and damage,” police said in the release posted on Facebook. “The partnership between the public and first responders was a clear example of what community safety looks like in action.”
Anyone with further information about the incident is encouraged to contact Officer Jonathan Saggese at [email protected]
