This story is based on an article in the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot of July 14, 2000. The origin of the fire is not known. About 30 acres of dry grass and upper marshland were burned, including the light station. Several dozen firefighters from Northampton County volunteer fire departments finally extinguished the blaze.
Reports indicate there was only minor damage to the lighthouse, the nation's second tallest.
The lighthouse is a cast iron skeletal tower likely to resist all but the most intense fires. Other light station buildings include a brick generator house, brick coal shed, wood storehouse, and wood privy. The fate of these buildings was not reported immediately. The lighthouse is scheduled for restoration later this year, as reported in the next story. This story is based on an article in the Bay Pilot, the newsletter of the Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation , of Spring 2000.