Summertime along the Delaware seaside means long afternoons on the beach, peaceful evening strolls along the boardwalk, and relaxing family barbeques — that is, once you get past all the traffic.
Memorial Day marked the start of the season, as anyone who happened along Route 26 this weekend, from Millville, through Ocean View, and up to Bethany, would have noticed.
Chief Doug Scott of the Millville Volunteer Fire Company (MVFC) has recognized the ensuing concerns about traffic impact on public safety and announced Tuesday, May 29, the establishment of a Saturday duty crew for the summer months, beginning last holiday weekend and continuing through Labor Day — a decision that puts the well-being of the community first.
“[Congestion along Route 26] makes it difficult for members to respond to the station for an emergency call in a safe and timely manner,” Scott said in a press release. The duty crew consists of four teams of volunteers, rotating time at the station between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. every Saturday during the summer months. During this time, the crew will conduct apparatus checks, a small company drill and apparatus maintenance. A meal is also provided for the volunteers from a local establishment.
Response from the Millville Fire Station 1, located right along Route 26, would undoubtedly be hindered by volunteers commuting to the station in the event of an emergency.
“This plan will allow us to more effectively serve the community,” he added, “by providing an immediate response to an emergency when the east/west traffic on Route 26 seems to be at its highest.”
“There have been times in the summer when traffic has been backed up [from the Millville light at the Super Giant and Banks Wines & Spirits] to Gerald Hocker’s store,” said MVFC Public Information Officer Bob Powell.
“The way we look at it, the traffic situation is not going to get any better,” he continued. “With all these developments coming up, things are only going to get worse. We needed to do something to help response time. Now we can have someone here, and at least one, maybe two pieces of apparatus will be able to respond when we need.”
With the return of another summer season, residents are also being reminded to make sure to properly care for smoke alarms and replace batteries as needed. The MVFC was able to promptly respond around 10 p.m. to a structure fire on Friday, May 25, at 36979 Hollywood Drive in Land of Pleasant Living, due to a working smoke detector that warned residents of the fire.
One resident was transported to Atlantic General Hospital, treated for smoke inhalation, and released. Minimal damage was limited to a small area of carpet and flooring.
“We’re doing what we can to help the community,” said Powell. Thankfully, others are doing what they can to help, too.