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"