12.17.08 Santa Catches a Ride with Engine 22

As they have done every year for about 75 years, Cherry Hill Firefighters and EMTs will be escorting Santa around Cherry Hill to say hello for the holidays. Santa is ready with a gift of a candy cane for kids of all ages. Please check the Cherry Hill Fire Department's website for a schedule and for some quick tips on how best to see Santa. Happy Holidays from all the members of the Cherry Hill Fire Department.

Visit the article on our website for more details and Santa's schedule.

12.11.08 - Dwelling Fire in Knollwood Neighborhood.

At just after midnight on Thursday, December 11th 2008, as Cherry Hill Firefighters were returning from another reported house fire, they responded to a second reported fire in a home on Bellows Lane in the Knollwood section of Cherry Hill. The fire was reported by an off duty firefighter as a "working fire". As firefighters arrived, they encountered heavy fire in a two story home under construction. Additionally, the fire was so intense, it was threatening the occupied homes on either side, already melting the vinyl siding on one.

Firefighters acted quickly by evacuating the occupied homes on either side and stretching hose lines to simultaneously protect the threatened homes and fight the fire in the dwelling under construction. An aerial ladder main was also raised and applied on the fire in the original dwelling. The quick action and aggressive attack enabled firefighters to control this fire within 15 minutes of their arrival on location. After the main body of fire was extinguished, firefighters overhauled the home, searching for and extinguishing all hot spots. This fire is under investigation by the Cherry Hill Fire Marshal's Office.

Photos by John Axford. More available on the CHFD Flickr Website.

10.13.08 Smoky House Fire in Barlow Section

At around 11:15 AM, on Monday October 13, 2008, Cherry Hill Firefighters responded to a reported house fire in the 200 block of Barlow Ave, in the Barlow Section of Cherry Hill. The caller reported a smoke condition coming from the basement. Firefighters arrived and reported a heavy smoke condition throughout the dwelling. The first team of firefighters advanced a hoseline through the front door. Their efforts in searching for the basement steps were hampered by the increasing smoke condition. As other teams of firefighters arrived, they opened windows and doors to alleviate the smoke and building heat and within a few minutes from their arrival, firefighters were able to gain access to the basement and extinguish the fire.

As firefighters were working throughout the dwelling, they systematically searched the entire home for any occupants. Everyone had managed to evacuate. Due to the age and type of construction of this particular home, the dwelling was overhauled and several walls were opened up to search for hot spots and fire extension. In all, about 25 firefighters were used to bring this incident under control. This fire is under investigation by the Cherry Hill Fire Marshal’s Office.

Photos provided by Steve Skipton

10.2.08 CHFD EMS Members Attend State Conference

The New Jersey Statewide Conference on EMS was once again held in Atlantic City, NJ from October 2nd-4th, 2008. The conference is organized and sponsored by the NJ Office of Emergency Medical Services. It offers continuing education credits for basic life support, advanced life support, EMS physicians, EMS educators, EMS management/administrators, and school nurses.

This year the Cherry Hill Fire Department supported the state conference by participating as an exhibitor, with the CHFD conference booth on display. The booth was staffed by EMS Chief McCargar & Platoon Leaders: Dave Milsted; Chrissy Oatman; and Steve McCann. During the class intermissions, they were able to talk with prospective candidates interested in the hiring process and answer many questions that EMTs have had since the new process began. The booth displayed EMS action pictures and EMS training pictures along with a slide show that was created for public events. Our members were also able to visit other vendor booths and create contacts for the future.

One of the speakers at the conference made an impact on the attendees about a topic that affects all of us in the field. Her name is Dr. Nadine Levick, recognized internationally for her research, education, and published documents on ambulance safety. We encourage you to view her information at this website: http://www.objectivesafety.net/index.html. Dr. Levick has several educational resources and webinars available for review on her website and has extended an invitation for CHFD to participate in future EMS safety forums.

Next year, the conference will be held in Atlantic City from November 12 -14, 2009. You can view some details about the conference through this link: http://www.state.nj.us/health/ems.

9.16.08 – Firefighters Extinguish Set Fire in Vacant Dwelling

Cherry Hill Firefighters made quick work of a suspicious fire in the 1700 block of Springdale road, near Route 70 at around 9:40, Tuesday night, September 16th. Firefighters were called by a passerby who saw fire in the vacant home. As they arrived, there was a light smoke condition in the dwelling and a small fire visible through a full length window in the kitchen door. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, checked for extension, ventilated the smoke condition and checked the entire structure for anyone that may have been inside. Currently, this fire is under investigation by the Cherry Hill Fire Marshal’s Office. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact them at 856-795-1340.

9.15.08 - Morning Fire in Old Orchard Home

At about 9:15 AM, on Monday, September 15th, Cherry Hill Firefighters responded to a reported fire set off by workmen on Scattergood Road, off Old Orchard Road. Upon arrival, they were informed by workmen that the fire was touched off as they were attending to the home's heating system in the basement. They further informed firefighters that the fire was also being fed by the gas pipe leading to the system. They also advised them that there was noone else in the dwelling at the time.

Firefighters entered the dwelling in near zero visibility due to the smoke condition and made their way to the basement with a handline. Firefighters from the first engine quickly extinguished the fire, and worked to control the gas valve, and checked for any fire extension. the fire had managed to work it's way up through a return air exchange vent built into the home. This fire extension, which made its' way to the attic, was uncovered by firefighters and extinguished. Other firefighters opened up the dwelling to alleviate the heavy smoke condition and systematically checked every room for any occupants. This fire is under investigation by the Cherry Hill Fire Marshal's Office.

9.14.08 - 1952 Ford F-7 Oren Pumper Comes to Life!

On Monday, September 8, Firefighter Bill Kamps succeeded in bringing the long dormant Ford pumper back to life. The guy manning the booster line is Fire Chief Bob Giorgio who helps Bill on occasion with this simple project.

This pumper served in an exciting era in the Cherry Hill Fire service, just like her cousin, the 700 Series American LaFrance that served at the Erlton Fire Co. There was a fleet of these Great Eastern and American LaFrance trucks in Cherry Hill. From historical information, gathered, the apparatus dealers started to offer financing to the fire companies making it easier to purchase the latest equipment. There was one tough fleet in this community.

The 1952 Ford F-7 was the first new fire truck purchased by the Ashland Fire Co, some current members drove this unit to fires. When Ashland purchased two new 1977 American LaFrance Century series pumpers, they gave the 1952 Ford to Bellplain Fire Co. in Woodbine NJ. Belleplain gave the truck to a local campground and it ended up on the parking lot of a gas station on Route 9 for many years. Her next stop was the Warwick Woods campground in Pennsylvania. After three years of negotiation, the owner agreed to trade the 1952 Ford for a 1971 Imperial. In 2000, we returned the 1952 Ford to Cherry Hill and since then she served as a Homeland Security asset protecting the rear flank of Station 6.

Why go through all this trouble? Because we need a few old school, manual shift, no pump commander, crank the windows, paper towels for air conditioning fire trucks to use as instructional props. Another reason is to take your kids and their friends for a real fire truck ride on their birthday (even when they turn 21) like they deserve. Forget the moon bounce, give them the cotton jacket hose bounce.

Between Erlton, Deer Park and Ashland Fire Companies, we are up to four fire trucks from Cherry Hill’s past - 1927 to 1952. We hope other members will join us by tracing the path of the fire truck that makes you smile as you recall a day from the past. Our efforts won't be complete without a Detroit Diesel 5-speed from the 1970’s. Stay tuned for the sanding party…………

9.11.08 - Route 295 Multi Vehicle Accident

From the Official CHFD Press Release

At around 10:20 AM, on Thursday, September 11, 2008, Cherry Hill Firefighters and EMTs responded to a reported motor vehicle accident on Route 295 southbound, at Route 70. Firefighters arrived and reported an accident on the Route 70 overpass with several vehicles involved, including a tractor trailer and a box truck.

One person was transported via a Cherry Hill Fire Department ambulance to an area hospital. The three remaining vehicle occupants suffered fatal injuries. 27 Cherry Hill Firefighters and 7 EMTs responded to this incident. Firefighters from the Cherry Hill Fire Department's Hazardous Materials team worked to contain leaking fuel and other materials from the accident scene which was spread out over all southbound lanes. Due to residual traffic congestion in Cherry Hill, additional fire and EMS resources were deployed to ensure adequate protection

The Cherry Hill Fire Department has been working with the NJ State Police and the NJ Department of Transportation and the Deleware Valley Regional Planning Commission in the Regional Highway Incident Management Task Force for the past 10 years in an effort to better mitigate incidents of this severity. This incident is under investigation by the NJ State Police.

To Read more, visit the story from the Courier Post.

8.11.08 - CHFD Helps Celebrate Deer Park 60th Anniversary

Members past and present filled the engine room to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Deer Park Fire Company. The Fire Co. was created on August 11th, 1948, and has served Cherry Hill in several capacities since then. Currently, they operate as REHAB 13 and respond to counties around the state to provide rehabilitation to emergency workers during extended operations. Captain Larry Colacicco helped pass out several service recognition medals spanning from the completion of one member’s first year of service, all the way to the Department’s former Chief, Dominic Sacca, with 53 years of service.

Cherry Hill Fire Chief Giorgio and Fire Commissioner Campagna were on hand to offer the Board of Fire Commissioners’ recognition of Deer Park, and all it’s members, for the past 60 years. To learn more about Deer park Fire Company and their mission, and to find out how to volunteer, visit their website at http://deerparkfire.com/. Photos provided by Curt Hudson.

7.26.08 - New Verizon Store Donates $1,000 to Fire Safety

The Verizon Store in the Garden State Race Track development held its' Grand Opening on Saturday, July 26th, 2008. On hand were representatives of the Cherry Hill Fire & Police Departments, as well as Cherry Hill Councilman, Frank Falcone. During the ceremony, Verizon generously donated $1,000 to the Cherry Hill Fire Protection & Safety Alliance. Donations to this fund in the past have seen great returns in purchasing safety equipment for firefighters or to fund the free smoke detectors and batteries program for seniors, or anyone that needs assistance. Accepting for the Cherry Hill Fire Department is Battalion Chief, William Stallfort.

7.16.08 CHFD Responds to House Fire in Haddonfield

On July 16th, 2008, Cherry Hill Firefighters responded to a full alarm at a house on Lake Street in Haddonfield, as part of our normal mutual aid with that neighboring town. One engine and one ladder company responded to this smoky house fire that originated in the kitchen. Photos are generously provided by John Axford.

7.13.08 Single Unit Fire in Chanticleer

On July 13th, in the 800 block of Chanticleer Drive, firefighters arrived to a medium smoke condition from a first floor condominium. Firefighters aggressively attacked a fire that had started in the laundry rooma nd spread out towards the front hall and doorway of the house as Firefighters entered. The homeowner was attended to by Cherry Hill EMTs. During the search for any other occupants, a cat was rescued and returned to the homeowner.

6.9.08 House Fire in Short Hills Neighborhood

At just before 7:00 pm, on Monday, June 9th, Cherry Hill Firefighters were dispatched to a reported house fire on Manor House Drive in the Short Hills development on Evesham Road. The homeowner had returned home to find a smoke condition in the home and called 911 from a cell phone. Cherry Hill Police were in the area, arrived first and reported a working fire in the kitchen. Firefighters arrived and: placed two hose lines in service; ventilated the smoke condition that was throughout the entire house; and performed a routine search for anyone still left inside.

Because the Heat Index was approaching 105 degrees, the Rehabilitation Unit was pressed into service to bring fluids and other on scene treatment for emergency workers. 22 Firefighters responded to this incident and the fire was placed under control in 15 minutes. No injuries were reported at the scene, but a family of 5 is displaced from their home. This fire is under investigation by the Cherry Hill Fire Marshal’s Office.

6.2.08 Fast Moving House Fire in Windsor Park Neighborhood

On Monday, June, 2, 2008, at around 11:05 AM, Cherry Hill Firefighters were dispatched to a reported house fire in the 300 block of Brentwood Ave. While responding, dispatchers advised that Cherry Hill Police had arrived and were reporting a heavy smoke condition and that all occupants were out. As Firefighters arrived, they noticed the smoke condition and fire were towards that back of the house and placed a hose line in service through the front door of this bi-level home.

Other teams of firefighters arrived, they assisted the first in team by: pulling a back-up line; connecting the fire engines to a nearby hydrant; and opening up all the windows and doors - ventilating the smoke which was prevalent throughout the entire upper floor. Even though all occupants were reported out, Firefighters conducted a systematic search of all areas. After the fire was contained, they searched for any extension of the fire and extinguished any remaining hot spots. No injuries were reported at the scene, but the family was displaced from their home because of the damage. This incident is under investigation by the Cherry Hill Fire Marshal’s Office. Photos by EMT Allen

6.2.08 Chile’s Restaurant Re-Opens in Cherry Hill

March 4^th, 2007 was a stressful and trying day for the Cherry Hill community. At just after 6:00 AM, a fire was reported in the Chile’s Restaurant at Route 70 & Haddonfield Roads. The fire, which was caused by a carelessly discarded cigarette in the mulch next to the building, had extended into the building via a low window frame. Because of the particular construction of the building, the fire was able to advance across the open, unprotected ceiling for some time before firefighters arrived. As a result, the building, and the adjacent restaurant, suffered extensive damage and needed to be demolished, displacing about 150 employees.

But, 15 months later, the restaurant has been rebuilt and opened for business. Chile’s invited members of the Fire Department and community including: Cherry Hill Mayor Platt; Council Members; and representatives of the Cherry Hill Police, to join them at their “Grand Re-Opening” ceremony. At that ceremony, the Cherry Hill Fire Safety Alliance, represented by Fire Chief Robert Giorgio, was presented with a donation check for $2,500 by Chile’s corporate representatives. CEO Daniel Fitzpatrick of Quality Dining, Inc., parent company of Chile’s offered very heartfelt thanks to all the members for the Fire Department for their professionalism and compassion during the fire.

Courier Post - "Cherry Hill Chili's eatery rises from ashes of blaze"

5.31.08 CHFD Participates In Multi-Agency Training

Cherry Hill Fire Department's Hazardous Material Company participated in a multi-agency training exercise today that took place in Camden City and Pennsauken. The scenario was a simulated rail car fire at a Camden terminal. The fire department determining the rail car might contain radiological materials prompted a response from the county's Hazardous Material units. Also part of the scenario, a River Line passenger train that passed through the incident possibly exposing passengers on the train to radiation. The train was stopped at the next station in Pennsauken where passengers where scanned for radiation and treated for any medical reasons. Crews set up decontamination areas for both passengers and firefighters working on the scene. Crews also had to inspect the train for radiation contamination.

The training exercise, one of many done throughout the year, focused on simultaneous events in multiple locations with multiple victims. The exercise was an excellent training event allowing several agencies to work together to continue to handle events more effectively. Besides Cherry Hill, Fire Departments from Pennsauken, Camden, Gloucester City, Waterford, Gloucester Twp., Pennsauken EMS, Camden County Health Department, Camden Police, Pennsauken Police, NJ Transit Police, Riverline Authority and Army National Guard participated in the exercise.

5.28.08 Car Flips on Route 70

Cherry Hill Firefighters and EMTs were dispatched to the intersection of Route 70 and Old Orchard Road for a motor vehicle accident with a reported person trapped. Additional information included that a commercial truck may have been involved. When they arrived, they encountered a single car accident, where the car had flipped over, coming to rest on its passenger side.

Firefighters stabilized the vehicle with specialized mechanical struts and heavy wood cribbing. Once stable, they entered the car via the sunroof to assess the lone victim, who was trapped in the rear passenger seat area. The patient was removed via the rear cargo door and loaded into an awaiting CHFD ambulance and transported to Cooper Hospital, Trauma Division. No other injuries were reported at the scene.

EMS Week & Memorial Bike Ride 2008

EMS Week: May 18-24, 2008 – EMS: Your Life is Our Mission

This is EMS Week - 2008. Emergency medical services personnel are entrusted with the responsibility of providing medical care in urgent situations, and their efforts help prevent loss of life. They work tirelessly to respond swiftly and with professionalism and compassion in the face of crisis. During Emergency Medical Services Week, we work to raise awareness about injury prevention and the use of emergency medical services in case of an accident or medical emergency.

To help raise public awareness about EMS Services and EMS Week, about 110 EMTs from around the country are taking part in the 8th Annual National EMS Memorial Bike Ride. Riding along with them is Cherry Hill’s own Paramedic, Dave Milsted. This is Dave’s second year making the nearly 600 mile ride. The 2008 ride began Saturday, May 17th at Ground Zero at the Williamsburg Bridge Crossing in New York City, and culminates on Saturday, May 24th in Roanoke, VA at the National EMS Memorial Service.

The Cherry Hill Fire Department is proud of Paramedic Milsted’s hard work and the entire EMS community in their efforts to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who daily provide the lifesaving services in the field. We also join them in recognizing those lost in the line of duty performing this vital public service. For more information about EMS Week, or the Memorial Bike Ride, please visit the following websites:

American College of Emergency Physicians

National EMS Memorial Bike Ride

5.2.08 CHFD EMS Chief Honored by Rotary Club

Cherry Hill Fire Department EMS Chief, Randall McCargar was selected as the 2008 Cherry Hill Rotary Club Public Safety Person of the Year. Chief McCargar was honored at the 2nd Annual Rotary Club Community Service Awards Dinner & Raffle. The raffle, which is a fundraiser for the Club’s many charitable offerings, is 16 years old and usually raises about $15,000. Due to its success, the Club decided to expand the idea of the fundraiser into a community outreach program and offer special recognition to people that serve Cherry Hill in the fields of: Education; Health Care; & Public Safety.

Chief McCargar was nominated and accepted for his “outstanding and stellar career serving the public as an Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic", according to Rotary Club Secretary Jeff King. Chief McCargar’s 34 year career in EMS has taken him around the country serving at various levels. After a national search for an experienced EMS leader in 2003, he and his wife Pam relocated to Cherry Hill when Randy was selected as EMS Chief for the Cherry Hill Fire Department. Since, he has implemented a first class EMS operation and positioned Cherry Hill’s EMS services as one of the finest pre-hospital care services in the region. According to Chief Giorgio; “Chief McCargar is one of those people that adds value to whatever he does, is fun to work with, proud of his profession; and in his short time with our department has become a key figure both today and for our future”. Please join us in congratulating Chief McCargar’s achievement.

4.20.08 CHFD Joins 9-11 Patriotic Celebration

Cherry Hill Firefighters and EMTs joined residents, police officers and veterans at the 7th Annual 9-11 Remembrance & Patriotic Gratitude Event. Held on Chapel Avenue under the shade of the cherry trees, planted each year by Cherry Hill resident, Joe Zanghi, a moment of silence was observed in reflection of support for the men, women and families affected by the tragic events of September 11, 2001; and to offer an endorsement for the men and woman of our armed services. For a slideshow of the 2 mile stretch of 3,000 cherry trees along Chapel Ave, visit the Cherry Blossoms website.

4.12.08 CHFD Emergency Workers on Scene Struck By Car

From the official CHFD Press Release: At just around 9:15 AM, on Saturday, April 12, 2008, one Cherry Hill Fire Department EMT and one fire department Paramedic were struck by a motorist while working on another emergency scene in the westbound lanes of Route 70.

The EMT and Paramedic were operating on the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving four vehicles with five victims that required transport to a hospital. While they were loading one patient already on a stretcher into the ambulance, they were struck by a motorist. The vehicle went around the backed-up traffic and onto the shoulder where the EMS personnel were operating and struck them and their vehicle.

Both injured EMS personnel were treated on the scene by Cherry Hill Firefighters also working at the original accident scene. Additional emergency workers were called to assist with the two accidents. All patients from the original accident were transported to local hospitals. The injured EMT and Paramedic were transported to Virtua hospital where they are under observation with non life threatening injuries.

Chief Giorgio remarked: “Accidents involving emergency workers operating on a roadway can be career ending and often fatal. This incident highlights the risk our EMTs and Firefighters take every day performing their duties. Our EMTs respond to about 7,500 calls each year and accidents make up a decent portion of that total. We encourage all motorists to slow down and increase their awareness near accident scenes, especially when there are emergency vehicles and personnel operating. Sometimes, this increased awareness and care is the only protection emergency responders have while operating on our roadways”.

Of particular interest; one of the EMS workers struck is in training for the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride set to begin on May 17th, 2008. This 500 mile bike ride is a component of the Annual EMS Memorial held in Roanoke. VA. This ride has the multiple objective of: Remembering fellow EMS workers who have died in the line of duty, raise public awareness about EMS line of duty deaths and disabilities; honor EMS providers who work despite dangerous safety conditions; and others.

This incident is currently under investigation by the Cherry Hill Fire Department and Cherry Hill Police.

4.6.08 CHFD Assists Camden FD at 3-Alarm Blaze

Fire Departments from Camden, Cherry Hill, Audubon, & Bellmawr worked together to fight this 3-alarm blaze in an abandoned Camden warehouse in the 1100 block of Linden Ave during the late afternoon of Sunday, April 6th, 2008. CHFD members from Ladder 2 responded on the 2nd alarm when the incident commander requested a tower ladder. This is a perfect example of how regional emergency services assist each other with “mutual aid” assignments and readiness. More information can be found in the Courier Post article concerning this fire. More images, graciously donated, can be found on our Flickr.com picture site. Or for even more pictures, visit www.southjerseyfire.com.

3.31.08 - Firefighters Make Quick Work of a Hot Basement Fire

From the Official CHFD Press Release: At just around 3:30 in the afternoon on March 31, 2008, Cherry Hill Firefighters responded to a reported house fire on Banner Road in the Surrey Place East development. The homeowner was at home and heard some loud popping sounds towards the front of his house. He investigated and discussed the sounds with electrical contractors trenching fiber optic cable for Verizon FiOS directly in front of his home. They had been working in the neighborhood for some time.

Within minutes, as they were discussing the possibility they may have contacted buried utilities, the homeowner noticed a heavy smoke condition coming from his basement and called 9-1-1. Firefighters arrived and immediately went in service with a hose line to the basement to extinguish the fire. At the same time, the house was opened up to ventilate the growing smoke condition. A second hose line was placed in service when it was discovered the fire had severely impacted the basement ceiling and had extended to the first floor. Also, even though the homeowner indicated he was the only one at home, firefighters performed a systematic search for anyone possible remaining in the dwelling.

Once all fire was extinguished, firefighters searched for further extension. It was felt the exterior wall on the side of the house most affected may have some fire extension, so teams worked on the inside and outside of the house to uncover any hidden hot spots. In all, 25 firefighters managed to place this fire under control in about 15 minutes. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters reported at the scene. However, this family of three is displaced from their home. This fire is currently under investigation by the Cherry Hill Fire Marshal's Office.

3.10.08 - Dwelling Fire in Backyard of CHFD Fire Station 2.

As taken from CHFD Official Press Release: At around 3:50 AM, March 10, 2008, Cherry Hill Firefighters at Cherry Hill’s Station 2 on West Route 70 and Cooper Ave. became aware of some commotion to the rear of their fire station. As one of the firefighters investigated through a window, they quickly realized there was a serious fire in the dwelling bordering the back of the firehouse.

One occupant who was asleep on the first floor and awoke to the sound of her smoke detector and immediately smelled a strong odor of smoke. She woke the other occupants, including a two year old toddler, and they evacuated the dwelling calling 911. She then ran to the door of the firehouse to alert firefighters.

As firefighters raced to grab their gear, they called in the fire to dispatchers as a full alarm to get the appropriate response and moved their apparatus out of the firehouse and into their own parking lot. One team of firefighters advanced a hose line to the rear of the dwelling where the heaviest fire had completely engulfed an outside porch area. At the same time, the balance of the firefighters worked with the occupants make sure everyone was out of the house.

As other teams of firefighters arrived, they advanced a second hose line into the house to back up the first, and encountered a quick moving fire that had consumed the laundry room and kitchen and was moving rapidly to the adjacent rooms. At the same time, even though all occupants were reported out, firefighters coordinated a systematic search of every room. They also began to open up all the windows of the house to alleviate the heavy smoke condition which had spread throughout the home. Once all visible fire was extinguished, firefighters opened up walls and ceilings to search for extension.
In all, 30 firefighters managed to place this fire under control in about 15 minutes. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters reported at the scene. This fire is currently under investigation by the Cherry Hill and Camden County Fire Marshal Offices and Cherry Hill Police. For additional pictures, visit the CHFD's Flickr photo web site.

3/8 & 3/9 - CHFD Answers All Calls During the Storm....

As the tri-state area was ravaged by wind and rain over the 48 hour period from March 8th to 9th, the Cherry Hill Fire Department responded to more than XX storm related calls. Beginning with the heavy rains on Friday night into Saturday and the unusually strong and gusty winds on Saturday, firefighters were busy around the clock.
The heavy rain, estimated to be close to 2 inches in our region from the National Weather Service, caused the flooding of several basements. Cherry Hill Firefighters use submersible pumps to bring the water levels down to a safe level, reducing the impact on utilities and the structure. More damaging to the region were the 60 to 65 mph winds. Aside from the typical wires down calls associated with a storm like this, numbering 13 during this storm, firefighters also responded to calls involving significant damage to area structures and buildings.
Firefighters received a call for a structural collapse on Kresson Road, at about 6:00 PM on Saturday night. On their arrival, they encountered scaffolding from the Kresson Road water tower being heavily damaged by the wind. The scaffolding structure had been weakened and wooden planks and ripped portions of large tarps were being blown all over the area, including Kresson Road and the New Jersey Turnpike.
The New Jersey State Police were contacted and the Turnpike was requested shut down between exits 3 and 4, and Cherry Hill Police closed Kresson Road from Covered Bridge Rd. to Browning Rd. until firefighters could better assess the damage and extent of the falling debris. Members of the fire department’s Technical Rescue Team were called out to use sophisticated structural collapse equipment to monitor the water tower structure and the scaffolding. Kresson Road continued to be closed until about 7:00 Am the next day.
During the same period, Cherry Hill Firefighters were called to the Mark 70 Apartment building for numerous reports of a natural gas leak from residents on floors 4 through 18. During the investigation, firefighters found a broken two inch gas main pipe located on the roof that suffered damage when a large 25 by 50 foot section of the roof membrane had been torn away. The natural gas was being drawn into the building by large ventilation fans that normally bring fresh air into the common areas of the building. Public Service Electric & Gas responded to secure and repair the gas leak. Sections of the damaged roof were raining down in the parking and entrance area to the apartment building and Cherry Hill Police were called in to redirect residents to a safer exit.
In all, the fire department responded to about 30 calls during a 12 hour period at the height of the storm. Pictures provided to CHFD by Curt Hudson.