A Platoon handles back to back vehicle fires 2/25/12

Shortly after roll call, Engine 52 (utilized due to Squrt 51B Platoon committed to previous incident) & Tower Ladder 24 were alerted to a motor vehicle accident at Route 38 & Chapel Avenue. Police reported a vehicle fire as a result of the accident. Companies extinguished the vehicle fire and assessed the passengers for injuries. After wrapping up and returning to quarters, Tower Ladder 24 was dispatched to the area of 2310 Route 70 West for a vehicle fire. Fire was observed throughout a motorhome upon arrival and Squrt 51 was dispatched to assist the Ladder Company.


Route 38 & Chapel Ave



Route 38 & Chapel Ave

2310 Route 70 West

Early Morning Fire at Race Track Development

At 6:26 am, on February 23, Battalion 13, Tower Ladder 24, Engine 22, Squrt 51 & Squrt 31 and Ladder 44 were dispatched to the 200 Building of Garden Park Blvd in the new Garden State Race Track development.  First arriving units discovered smoke emanating from the third floor balcony, the fire alarm was active and the building was under evacuation.  The first engine and ladder advanced to the interior third floor and found light smoke in the public hallway. Firefighters received no answer and used forcible entry to access Unit #233 where they found a fire in the floor, and walls around the balcony. One hose line was stretched, and firefighters used thermal imaging cameras and tools to expose, and extinguish the fire. In addition firefighters accessed the apartment below Unit # 223 and worked to open up the ceiling in the area of the balcony to contain the fire.

CHPD and CHFD EMS assisted occupants during the evacuation, and provided a secure and warm space until the remaining smoke was removed from the public hallways. Mamco Property Management assumed control of the building, and began efforts to re-secure the two effected units. CHFD Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.

Garage Fire in Erlton

On February 21, 2012, "C" group was dispatched to a report of fire in the attached garage of a two story dwelling in the Erlton section. 

Units arriving on Madison Avenue found a working fire in the garage that was extending into the first and second floors of the dwelling.  Two CHFD Engine Companies and two CHFD Ladder Companies teamed up and quickly gained control of the fire. 

One adult male occupant of the home was treated by CHFD EMS for smoke inhalation and transported to Cooper University Hospital.  The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental.

Fire Inspector Impersonator Scam

FIRE INSPECTOR IMPERSONATOR SCAM

Please read the information below from the CHPD about a fire inspector impersonator scam.

Please note that all CHFD inspectors are in uniform, carry a photo ID, perform inspections during normal business hours, and do not ask for money. 

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From CHPD release: 

On February 02, 2012 at 5:15 pm the below male entered the Playdrome, 1536 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill and posed as a fire inspector. He examined the fire extinguishers and produced a fraudulent receipt after collecting a cash payment. Police have confirmed he was not authorized to conduct such inspection and he is believed to have targed businesses in Atlantic City as well. We are asking for you help in identifying this male. Anyone with information should please call CHPD Detective Hafner at (856) 432-8824.

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The following information was released by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety regarding the same suspected individual:

 

 

Battalion 13 First Due on Dryer Fire

 Battalion 13 arrived first due on a reported dryer fire in the first block of Old Towne Road. After checking with the homeowner on the exterior of the dwelling, it was confirmed there was a fire in the dryer.
County was advised of a active dryer fire on the 1st floor of the dwelling.

Upon arrival of Squad 13, the officer was advised that they could put the fire in check with a water can. Squad 13 nozzle put the fire out with the water can and was backed up with a second water can from Ladder 1344.
Fire was placed under control prior to the 10 minute mark. The assignment was held to 1st engine and ladder. After removing the smoke and the duct work from the dryer, the residence was turned back over the the homeowners.