CHFD Responds to Haddonfield Fire

CHFD firefighters were dispatched at approx. 10:38 PM for a fire reported in a large home at 73 Center St. in Haddonfield . One engine and one ladder tuck were dispatched on a mutual aid agreement with Haddonfield. Police arrived on location to find smoke showing from a rear two story addition to the property. Haddonfield Chief arrived on location reporting a fire on the first floor in the rear of the dwelling. Crews from Haddonfield deployed the first hose line for extinguishing fire. Cherry Hill crews arrived with the engine's crew deploying a second hose line for back up and also supplying water to Haddonfield's first arriving engine. The ladder truck arrived and worked to secure utilities, provide ventilation of smoke from the dwelling and also to confirm extension of fire on the second floor. Crews also assisted with remaining overhaul to assure all fire was extinguished in walls and between floors. Westmont and Barrington Fire Departments also responded and assisted with operations. CHFD Rehab unit was also dispatched to provide much needed fluids and relief for firefighters. Fire is still under investigation by Haddonfielfd and Camden County Fire Marshal's Office. There were no reported injuries.

Car Accident Injures 10, Ties Up Traffic for Hours

At just around 11:25 on August 28, 2007, Cherry Hill Firefighters and EMTs responded to a motor vehicle accident on Route 561 in the area between Rue De Bois and Evesham roads with reported people trapped. Responding units were advised that at least 4 cars were involved, about 10 people injured including small children, and 1 person was still trapped in their vehicle. A CHFD Battalion Chief was the first to arrive, confirmed the number of victims and the entrapment, and immediately directed dispatchers to add an appropriate number of Fire and EMS resources to the scene. An EMS supervisor also responded to help set up triage assessments for the large number of victims.

The coordinated EMS response helped to identify several patients as priorities and they were packaged and taken to area hospitals. The trapped victim was freed by firefighters using several powered and hydraulic rescue tools. The heavy damage to the front of his vehicle caused him to become entangled in the passenger compartment. Firefighters removed the roof of the vehicle to give EMTs and Paramedics access to their patient, and then continued to free the entanglements, remove the car doors and place him on a backboard. The majority of the remaining injuries were minor in nature, and all patients received assessment and treatment on the scene, and transported to a hospital for further care. Cherry Hill Fire Department ambulances transported at total of 10 victims.

Cherry Hill Police had Route 561 shut down for almost two hours as they investigated the accident. It remains under investigation by the Cherry Hill Police Traffic Unit.

To see more photos, visit CHFD's Flickr.com account.

CHFD on Route 295 for Accident with Trapped Victims

At around 3:00 pm on Monday, August 20th, Cherry Hill Firefighters and EMTs responded to a reported motor vehicle accident on Route 295, just north of the route 70 ramps. First arriving companies reported a serious traffic collision involving one SUV and one tractor trailer, and that the driver of the SUV was trapped in the wreckage of her vehicle. Cherry Hill EMTs gained access to the vehicle to attend to their patient while Firefighters went into service with hydraulic rescue tools.

Once free, the female patient was removed from the vehicle by EMTs and Paramedics and brought to an awaiting CHFD ambulance and transported to Cooper Trauma Center in Camden. A three year old child was also removed from the vehicle but sustained no injuries. The Fire Department then secured the vehicle, worked with NJ State Police to alleviate the 4 mile traffic back-up, and took an active role in re-uniting the child involved with family members. Traffic in the area was affected for almost an hour. No other injuries were reported.

See more pictures on the CHFD Flickr page.

CHFD Responds to Motor Vehicle Accident on Turnpike With People Trapped

At just around 3:30 AM, Saturday August 18, 2007, Cherry Hill Firefighters and EMTs were dispatched to the area of mile makrer 29 on the New Jersey Turnpike for a motor vehicle accident reportedly with people trapped inside a vehicle. The secondary report indicated an accident involving a car and a tractor trailer. Firefighters arrived on the scene and found a 15 passenger van that had struck a tractor trailer in the rear. Several passengers were walking around the scene, but the driver and front passenger of the van remained trapped with multiple injuries. Firefighters carefully removed the doors and mid posts on both sides of the vehicle with hydraulic rescue tools so the patients could be safely removed. Both were transported by ambulance to Cooper Trauma Center in Camden, along with one other passenger who experienced minor injuries. CHFD units were clear from the scene in approx. thirty-eight minutes. Runnemede Fire Dept. also assisted with the operation.

Cherry Hill Fire Dept. Fights a Fast Moving House Fire with Reported “People Trapped”

As taken from the Official CHFD Press Release.

At 12:35pm on August 16, 2007, Cherry Hill Firefighters responded to a reported house fire in the 200 block of Charlann Circle in the Timber Cove neighborhood. Multiple callers dialed 911 to report smoke coming from the corner property.

Cherry Hill Firefighters, from Fire Station 4 on Springdale Road, were on location within one minute and reported a heavy fire condition on the first floor in a converted garage/office, and they could see it was already extending throughout the dwelling and to the second floor. At the same time, as the initial response teams arrived on scene, fire dispatchers alerted them there were receiving reports a person was trapped in the home.

Firefighters simultaneously pulled hoselines into the dwelling to fight the fast moving fire, open up all windows and doors to ventilate the smoke and high heat, and immediately conduct a search and rescue for any trapped victims.

The initial search team working in the smoke filled home completed a systematic search but did not locate anyone inside. As a second search began, reports from neighbors and the homeowner revealed that all people from the dwelling were accounted for. The lone occupant who was at home was brought to a Cherry Hill Fire Department ambulance so that EMTs could assess her for injuries, which she had none.

Firefighters extinguished the main body of fire and then began to open up walls and ceilings on both floors to check for extension and find hot spots. Also, a car which was parked close to one side of the house and caught fire, was extinguished. Because of the steamy weather conditions, the Cherry Hill Fire Department's Rehabilitation Unit was called to the scene to aid in the recovery of emergency workers.

32 Cherry Hill Firefighters quickly brought this fire under control within twenty-five minutes. Chief Giorgio remarked, “There where some tense moments as our firefighters worked to locate the homeowner and I am proud of their efforts”. This fire is under investigation by the Cherry Hill Fire Marshal’s Office.

For more photos, visit the CHFD on Flickr.com

Cherry Hill Firefighters Tackle Working House Fire.

At approximately 8:45 PM on Thursday evening (8.9.07), Cherry Hill Firefighters were alerted to a reported house fire on Missouri Avenue, off Route 70. The Cherry Hill Fire Department responded with two engines, a ladder, the battalion chief and one ambulance. First arriving companies found smoke showing from the rear of a two story single family dwelling. Members quickly secured a water supply at a nearby hydrant and advanced a hoseline to extinguish the fire while a primary search was completed. All occupants accounted for. Firefighters were able to rescue three cats from the fire and EMTs administered oxygen to revive them. The fire was quickly brought under control with no injuries. to civilians or emergency workers. This fire is under investigation with the Cherry Hill Fire Marshal's Office.

CHFD Warns of Heat Dangers

The men and women of the Cherry Hill Fire Department remind you to protect yourself and your loved ones from the heat! The best ways to remain protected from the ill effects of excessive heat are to dress appropriately, stay indoors, refrain from strenuous work or exercise during the hottest part of the day, and stay hydrated. Keep a close watch on the HEAT INDEX to make sure you are aware of just how hot it is.

Heat can kill by pushing the human body beyond its limits. Under normal conditions, the body's internal thermostat produces perspiration that evaporates and cools the body. However, in excessive heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.

The effects of heat can quickly overcome the healthiest people, especially if they perform strenuous work during the warmest parts of the day. Symptoms of dehydration and heat illness may not be easily recognized. Elderly people, the disabled, young children, those who are sick, live alone or are overweight are more likely to become victims of excessive heat. Because men sweat more than women do, they become more quickly dehydrated and are more susceptible to heat illness. Those under a Doctor's care or taking medication should speak with their physician about their particular vulnerability.

Pets, horses, and livestock are also susceptible to difficulties from hot weather. Animals do not perspire and rely on panting, wetting down, shade, cool earth, and drinking water for cooling. Animals cannot explain their needs, so it is up to people to see that their needs are readily met, especially during periods of extreme or prolonged heat.

During this time of excessive heat, the Cherry Hill Fire Department recommends that you assess your daily activities and discuss heat safety precautions with family, neighbors and co-workers. If your home does not have air conditioning, choose a cool place to visit or stay during the hottest part of the day. Schools, libraries, theaters, and other community facilities can often provide an air-conditioned refuge.

Firefighters remind everyone to:

- Learn the risks.

- Prepare members of your household, pets and your workplace.

- Plan to get relief from and avoid the effects of heat.

You should plan in advance to wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, that covers as much of your skin as possible as well as a well-ventilated hat with a wide brim. Light colors will reflect away the sun's rays more than dark colors, which absorb the sun's rays. Stay in the shade as much as possible and remain well hydrated. When at work or on the road...

Never leave children or any infirm person or pet alone in a vehicle for even a brief moment. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach more than 140°F within minutes. Exposure to such high temperatures can quickly kill a person or pet. Even on days that feel pleasantly warm outside, temperatures in a parked vehicle can raise high enough to kill. Leaving a window open will not necessarily abate the danger. If you discover a child or incapacitated person locked inside a car on a hot day, call 9-1-1 immediately!

Firefighters suggest you slow down and avoid strenuous activity. Reduce, eliminate, or reschedule physical activities for a cooler part of the day. High-risk individuals should stay in cool places, and everyone should get plenty of rest to allow the body's natural "cooling system" to work. Hot days also mean sunny days, and regardless of your skin tone, it's a good idea to protect yourself by applying sunblock early and often.

If you must perform strenuous activity, do so during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the early morning. Many heat emergencies occur to people who are exercising, working or staying alone. We suggest you use a buddy system, and also check regularly on elderly, disabled or at-risk neighbors. Experts also suggest that you eat smaller meals more often, and drink plenty of fluids even before you feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine. They make the heat's effects on your body worse.

Your Firefighters will be keeping a close eye on local weather trends, including the fire weather. You can help them by remaining cognizant of the health and safety dangers of hot weather, and keeping those in your home, neighborhood and workplace safe until cooler weather prevails.

Hazardous Materials Team Reponds to Betsy Ross Bridge

The Cherry Hill Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials team responded to mid span of the Betsy Ross Bridge in Pennsauken, NJ on July 31st, 2007 for an over turned delivery van with a trailer attached that was leaking fuel. “Haz Mat 13” was assigned the task of mitigating the fuel leak using “plugging and patching” techniques. After further review, it was determined that total removal of the gas tank was the best course of action to stop the leak. There was only a minimal amount of product released on the roadway.