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.

8.28.10 Firefighters Salute “Iron & Steel” Motorcade

As the 10^th anniversary of the September 11^th attacks on New York City and Washington D.C. approach, Cherry Hill Firefighters & EMTs took some time out to help recognize an effort to build memorials and bring attention to the firefighters who lost their lives that day. The New York based “Fire Family Transport Foundation” and the Iron & Steel motorcycle run team delivered several pieces of steel, originally from the World Trade Center, to Arlington County, VA. The motorcade, which had a flat bed trailer carrying the steel, consisted of FDNY antique fire trucks, official vehicles, and about 1,000 motorcycles.

At about 10:30 am, Firefighters & EMTs lined up on Route 295 overpasses at East Chapel Ave., and Kresson Road; as did firefighters up and down the route to salute the motorcade as it delivered the piece of steel in the day long trip. The group set out early in the morning from Brooklyn, NY and ultimately delivered the pieces of steel to the Arlington County Fire Department who plans to build a monument in the future incorporating the steel. Two other trips by the same group in recent years have delivered steel to Shanksville, PA and Fort Benning GA, both communities playing a role in the response to the terrorist attacks that day.

6.3.10 Water Rescue Effort in Cooper River

At 7:12 pm, Cherry Hill Firefighters were dispatched to a water rescue assignment at the Cooper River across from 202 Park Blvd. The caller reported seeing a male enter the river about 30 feet and swiftly disappear underwater. First arriving fire units conferred with Camden County Park Police, who showed them the exact location the male went into the river and where he was last seen. The on-duty battalion chief quickly ordered more units to search and utilized marine units from Cherry Hill, Collingswood, Pennsauken & Westmont while support crews walked the shoreline from all points.

Additionally, the Cherry Hill Fire Department Rescue team initiated a shore based rescue effort with rescue personnel in full water rescue equipment, walking in the murky water while on a tether line from shore. This effort began in the location where the victim was last seen above water. As additional personnel were added, the search grid was expanded and it was a shore-based, tethered crew that discovered the victim approximately 30 yards from his point of entry, about an hour after rescuers first arrived. The victim was recovered from the water using a water rescue "Stokes Basket". This incident is under investigation.

Photos provided by Curt Hudson