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An early morning fire has totally destroyed the newly rebuilt Keepers Quarters at New Jersey's Absecon Lighthouse.

The fire was discovered by a police officer on patrol in the early morning hours of July 6th. He quickly called it in to the dispatcher and the Atlantic City Fire Department responded within minutes, however the fire spread so quickly that it was too late to save the structure. All fire fighters could do, was pour water on the lighthouse tower to prevent it from also burning.

There was no known real damage to the tower itself. Fortunately, the metal door from the passageway to the tower was closed and the wind was coming from the north, away from the historic beacon. Some of the passageway from the newly reconstructed Keepers Quarters may also be saved.

The Atlantic City Fire Marshall was on the scene immediately. A full investigation to the cause of the fire was started immediately. Officials have stated that the fire does appear suspicious, since no electricity or other utilities had yet been hooked up to the site. The sheet rock was not yet installed, leaving the fire free to destroy the exposed wood framing.

Sare Cureton, Executive Director of Absecon Lighthouse, Stuart Wiser, President of the Inlet Public/Private Association and Russell Wilcox of the Lighthouse Committee have all vowed that they will rebuild just as soon as possible. In spite of the fact that the structure was covered by insurance, new funds will be needed to cover operating expenses until the structures can be rebuilt and opened to the public. The lighthouse had been slated to be opened for tours in late July, something that will not happen now.

The rebuilt Keepers Quarters were an exact duplicate of the original quarters, except the interior had been re-configured for exhibits. It is estimated that it will cost $700,000 to rebuild the structure.

It was truly a sad day for all those who have been involved for so many years to see this lighthouse restored and again open to the public.

This story appeared in the August 1998 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.

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