Cherry Hill Hazmat Unit Special Called to Bellmawr

On Wednesday January 30th at approximately 7:29 PM a fire was reported on Creek Road in Bellmawr at ANA Laboratories. Bellmawr Fire Department units arrived on location with heavy smoke and fire already showing from the business. All employees working at the time safely escaped. Fire department units immediately placed large diameter hose streams in service to extinguish the fire. Soon after firefighters started operating, the rear half of building's roof collapsed forcing an exterior operation. Cherry Hill's Hazardous Materials Unit was special called to identify the chemicals stored in the facility and make decisions on mitigation of the containers and high pressure cylinders used at the property. Several containers exploded in the building during the firefighting operations. Cherry Hill's members were able to safely remove several 55 gallon drums away from building before being exposed to fire or further collapse. During the overhaul operations the members also overpacked, into secure containers, other chemicals with container damage. Camden County Department of Health's Emergency Reponse team was continuing to oversee the proper cleanup of the remaining products within the building. Fire departments from several surrounding towns also responded to assist in firefighting operations. No injuries were reported.
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1-26-08 Fast Moving House Fire in Woodland Neighborhood

On Saturday, January 26, at about 5:30 PM, Cherry Hill Firefighters responded to a reported house fire on Franklin Ave., in the Woodland neighborhood. Reports from dispatchers indicated that there may be trapped occupants still in the house. The first arriving engine company found the house almost entirely involved with fire and a heavy smoke condition. The engine company advanced a hose line to extinguish the fire, while additional arriving firefighters advanced another hose line to back up the first, and search for the report of trap occupants.

The firefighters on scene quickly extinguished the fire and conducted an extensive search from inside the home. No occupants were found inside the home. The reported trapped occupants were in fact, out of the house and were later accounted for. Within 15 minutes of firefighters arriving, the the fire was placed under control. Pictures courtesy of Steve Skipton/Debbie Fortunato.

Cherry Hill Firefighters respond to landmark restaurant

On 1/16/08 Cherry Hill Firefighters were called to the Coastline restaurant for a report of a fire in the basement. When firefighters arrived they found the first floor and the basement filling with smoke. Firefighters used Thermal Imaging Cameras to find the fire burning in a void space between the the basement and first floors. Power saws were used to cut open the floor and the fire was extinguished. The early 1900's farm house converted to a restaurant suffered minor damage.

1-10-08 - Late Night, Fast Moving House Fire

Cherry Hill Firefighters arrived on location, at just after 2:00 AM, in the 1300 block of Graham Ave. with a heavy fire condition in the front of the home. Fire was also extending up the walls into the 2nd floor. Crews stretched a hose line to the front of the building and extinguished a heavy fire condition on the exterior and attic space. Firefighters confirmed occupants had evacuated while interior crews conducted searches on both 1st and 2nd floor, and reported fire conditions to the Incident Commander. Firefighters worked to open up walls and ceiling to check for all fire extension. The fire was brought under control and no injuries were reported.

CHFD Battles Fast Moving, 3 Alarm Blaze

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As taken from official CHFD Press Release: At just after 2:00 PM, on Friday, January 4th 2008, Cherry Hill Firefighters were called to the 400 block of Evesham Road, between Springdale and Cropwell Roads. Callers reported seeing fire towards the rear of the Short Hills Deli. Firefighters arrived and encountered a heavy smoke condition from the deli and customers being evacuated with the help of Cherry Hill Police.

As firefighters assisted with the evacuation, they simultaneously began an interior attack, deploying two hose lines inside the deli and 2nd floor office space to try and locate and extinguish the fire. Because of the thick smoke, and reports of fire above them, in the common attic areas, firefighters decided to switch to a defensive attack outside the burning buildings to control the fast moving fire. After the bulk of the fire had been knocked down, firefighters resumed an interior operation to extinguish remaining hot spots and check for extension.

Firefighters also believe the steady 10 - 14 mph wind out of the southwest enabled this fire to move as fast as it did, and credit a firewall to the east of the fire building with helping them in keeping this fire from heavily damaging other businesses. There was heavy damage to the deli, and smoke and water damage to the adjacent businesses. The fire was placed under control in about 75 minutes.

Because of the numerous fire apparatus in the area, and the limited access to this shopping center, customers were unable to use several businesses in the area. Many of the businesses plan to open again tomorrow. 50 Cherry Hill firefighters, and another 20 or so from surrounding communities, were in service at the height of this fire. No injuries to civilians or emergency workers were reported. At this time, fire investigators feel the area of origin of this fire is to the rear of the deli, but all aspects of this fire remain under investigation by the Cherry Hill Fire Marshal’s Office.