B Group Afternoon East Side Box

The Cherry Hill Fire Department was dispatched to a report of "an explosion and a house on fire" in the area of 165 Orchard Lane.  Three engine companies, two ladder companies and the Battalion 13 (Michael Iannetta) responded to the reported location.  Cherry Hill PD was first to arrive and reported an occupied dwelling about 70% involved in fire.  The address was amended to 201 Orchard Lane.  There was a car parked at the residence and the occupants not accounted for.  Squad 13 arrived, established a water supply and stretched a 2 1/2" hose line to the front of the dwelling attempting to push the fire back and make entry.  Battalion 13 arrived and established command with Ladder 44 arriving shortly there after and beginning aggressive VES of a few windows before being pushed out due to the house becoming fully involved in fire. Additional 2 1/2" hose lines and a blitz fire were stretched via Squrt 31 and Engine 22.  Ladder 24 arrived and assisted Ladder 44 in opening up the remaining windows and doors.  Firefighters were challenged with long hose stretches, a well advanced fire condition upon arrival and several propane cylinders located in the rear of the dwelling that had to be removed throughout the operation.  The fire was quickly placed under control within 22 minutes from dispatch.  The occupants were later safely accounted for and no injuries or fatalities reported.

Photo courtesy of John Axford

Photo courtesy of John Axford

A Group: Valley Run Fire

On Tuesday September, 14, 2010 at around 10:00 am the Cherry Hill Fire Department received a 9-1-1 call reporting a house fire at 427 Valley Run Drive.  Companies began receiving reports from the PD that the house was fully involved.  Engine 52 arrived on location reporting a 1 1/2 story, single family dwelling with smoke showing from the front of the dwelling.



Notice that from Div A the 1st floor is partially below grade



The house was a split level house, meaning that as you entered the house via the front door you were met by a landing with a short set of stairs going up to the 2nd floor living space and a short set of stairs going down to the 1st floor living space.  In the rear the 1st floor exited at grade level.

Engine 52's crew stretched an hose line to the front of the property and found a well advanced fire inside on the bottom floor extending to the second floor via the front stairs.  Ladder 44 arrived and began ventilation and a quick search to confirm all occupants were out and accounted for.  Battalion 13 (Rick Harris) arrived and assumed command.  Engine 52's crew pushed the first hose line through the front door and began knocking the second floor fire. Engine 22's crew stretched the second hose line to the rear and advanced in on the 1st floor fire knocking down all visible fire. The companies checked for extension and continued searching the dwelling for any additional occupants, however none were found. Companies remained on location overhauling the fire areas and ventilating the dwelling. There was one civilian burn victim that was transported to Cooper Trauma for evaluation. The fire is under investigation by the Cherry Hill Fire Marshal's Office

Both firefighters and civilians may find their exit via the 2nd floor porch
stairs cut off via auto exposing fire from the 1st floor.



Engine Companies may find it easier to attack the fire at

grade from the rear versus descending a set of stairs
to attack the fire.
 

9.11.10 - September 11 In Memoriam

September 11, 2001 is a day most will always remember. Whether in New York City, or thousands of miles away, we all remember where we were and what we were doing the instant the news reached us. For the men and women of the Cherry Hill Fire Department, we also remember what it did to galvanize our resolve and commitment to providing our region with an emergency response, ready 24 hours a day, to meet any challenge before us.

We’d also like to take this opportunity to recognize that nine years has gone by since so many victims lost their lives in the terrorist attacks, and so many of our colleagues made the ultimate sacrifice when they rushed into both World Trade Center towers to do what any of us would do. In 2010, by the end of August, we have already lost 51 firefighters who have answered their last call and we recognize their service and sacrifice.

Equally, we recognize the continued commitment, dedication and ultimate devotion to public safety we witness every day by Firefighters, EMTs, Police and all emergency workers around the world, and especially here in America. Just this morning (September 10, 2010), three (3) firefighters were seriously injured in a collapse at an apartment fire in Coatsville, PA. Their circumstances remind us to always be safe in what we do. In addition, we recognize the accomplishments of the thousands of military personnel who continue to fight for our freedom, the cost of which has come at a high price for them and their families.

We hope that you will take a minute to remember the efforts of those at Ground Zero nine years ago, and know that the Cherry Hill Fire Department recognizes those efforts every day as we prepare and train, ensuring we are ready to respond to your emergency.