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.