Full Notification

On March 13^th, 2021 at approximately 5:50 AM, the Middle Township Police Department received a report of a structure fire of a two-story residence, with a second-floor apartment and first floor main residence, at 105 Holly Drive in the Rio Grande section of the Township.   Patrolmen Mark Bakley and Shawn Rocca arrived on scene prior to the fire department. When they arrived, the second-floor tenants, two adults and a four-year-old, were already outside the residence that was actively on fire. They were advised that Frederick Hofstetter, age 83, and Susan Hofstetter, age 72, were still inside the first-floor residence. 
 
After being unable to gain access through the front door, Bakley and Rocca, gained access through a secured rear fence and found that the rear sliding glass door was unlocked. With the house being on fire and filled with smoke, they entered the residence to find Frederick and Susan asleep in bed. They were able to wake them and get them out of the house safely, as well as, their dog. 
 
The Rio Grande Fire Department and Green Creek Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire.  Middle Township EMS also responded to the scene.  The Cape May County Fire Marshall’s Office responded and determined the fire was accidentally started by a cigarette butt left on the second-floor deck.