6.15.09 Workman's Torch Ignites House Fire

From the Official CHFD Press Release.

At just before 1:00 PM on Wednesday, June 15th, 2009, Cherry Hill Firefighters and EMTs responded to a reported house fire in the 700 block of Cooper Landing Road. Reports from dispatchers indicated Cherry Hill Police were on location reporting a well advanced fire in the rear of the dwelling. Police also reported several small explosions occurring.

First arriving firefighters encountered fire in the rear of a two story dwelling under construction. The fire, which started in a second floor bedroom of the dwelling, was quickly spreading to adjacent rooms and into the attic. The fire was spreading rapidly due to the fact that many walls had been removed or opened as part of the renovation occurring inside the dwelling. Two teams of firefighters quickly deployed separate hand lines to extinguish the fire. Simultaneously, other teams of firefighters worked to open doors and windows to ventilate the home, alleviating the high heat and heavy smoke conditions inside. Additionally, firefighters quickly pulled ceilings on the second floor to search for fire extension in the attic. Fire extension was found in the attic as well and extinguished.

Also, even though this home was reported as unoccupied, a systematic search was conducted of all areas to ensure no workers or any occupant was left inside. All occupants were confirmed out of the fire building. In all, about 25 firefighters were called on to fight this fire which was placed under control in about 25 minutes. There were no injuries to emergency workers or civilians reported at the scene. The Cherry Hill Fire Marshal’s Office has made an initial determination that this fire started as a result of a plumber’s torch igniting the interior wall framing and spread quickly because of the construction. Also, the explosions heard were determined to be a portable propane tank and some other construction related equipment and not a cause of the fire which remains an open investigation.

Photos by Ted Aurig.

6.9.09 Fast Moving House Fire on Berlin Road

As taken from the Official CHFD Press Release

At just before 6:30 PM on Tuesday, June 9th, 2009, Cherry Hill Firefighters and EMTs responded to a reported house fire in the 1500 block of Berlin Road. Reports from dispatchers indicated an occupant had discovered a fire in a clothes dryer located in the home’s lower level and attempted to extinguish it. The fire was spreading too quickly however, and the family evacuated the home.

First arriving firefighters encountered a thick smoke condition throughout, and heavy fire in the rear of the multi-level dwelling. The fire had gained a hold on the lower level and spread through void spaces and duct work into the home’s adjacent areas. Two teams of firefighters quickly deployed separate hand lines to extinguish the fire, which had now spread to all levels of the home. Simultaneously, other teams of firefighters worked to open doors and windows to ventilate the home, alleviating the high heat and heavy smoke conditions inside. Also, even though all occupants were reported as out of the home, a systematic search was conducted of all areas to ensure no one was left inside. All occupants were confirmed out of the fire building.

In all, about 30 firefighters were called on to fight this fire which was placed under control in about 45 minutes. There were no injuries to emergency workers or civilians reported at the scene, but a family of five has been displaced from this home. This fire is currently under investigation by the Cherry Hill Fire Marshal’s Office.

Photos generously donated by Curt Hudson, CHFD Photographer and Steve Skipton, PhillyFireNews.com Photographer