Avalon Fire Destroys Condo Complex

AVALON, N.J. -- A fast-moving fire destroyed nearly 40 condominium units early Wednesday at the Windward Harbour complex on Ocean Drive.

Only six people were in the complex at the time, and all escaped uninjured, officials said. The units were used primarily as summer vacation homes.

More than 100 firefighters fought the seven-alarm fire at the complex on Seventh Street and Ocean Drive, which broke out shortly after midnight and spread quickly. High winds and subfreezing temperatures hampered firefighters, who remained at the scene after daybreak hosing down hot spots.

Officials said the flames destroyed 39 of the complex's 45 units. The rest were expected to be condemned.

The fire was so hot it melted the siding on a house across the street. Fire officials said the fire started in several locations and that a bad electrical system was the cause.

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