A charred fire hydrant is an ironic symbol of the fire that destroyed a block of businesses during near-hurricane force winds on February 26, 2010. A fire broke out in the Surf Hotel, and an entire block went up in flames before it could be extinguished. All the destroyed businesses were unoccupied at the time.
Wind gusts as high as 68 MPH were recorded at a nearby airport, just short of hurricane strength, adding to the difficulties that night. Because of the storm, the fire department was stretched very thin, with its crew members already deployed to deal with other local emergencies like downed power lines and transformer fires.
But poor little one that just wanted a meal."
