As taken from official CHFD Press Release: At just after 2:00 PM, on Friday, January 4th 2008, Cherry Hill Firefighters were called to the 400 block of Evesham Road, between Springdale and Cropwell Roads. Callers reported seeing fire towards the rear of the Short Hills Deli. Firefighters arrived and encountered a heavy smoke condition from the deli and customers being evacuated with the help of Cherry Hill Police.
As firefighters assisted with the evacuation, they simultaneously began an interior attack, deploying two hose lines inside the deli and 2nd floor office space to try and locate and extinguish the fire. Because of the thick smoke, and reports of fire above them, in the common attic areas, firefighters decided to switch to a defensive attack outside the burning buildings to control the fast moving fire. After the bulk of the fire had been knocked down, firefighters resumed an interior operation to extinguish remaining hot spots and check for extension.
Firefighters also believe the steady 10 - 14 mph wind out of the southwest enabled this fire to move as fast as it did, and credit a firewall to the east of the fire building with helping them in keeping this fire from heavily damaging other businesses. There was heavy damage to the deli, and smoke and water damage to the adjacent businesses. The fire was placed under control in about 75 minutes.
Because of the numerous fire apparatus in the area, and the limited access to this shopping center, customers were unable to use several businesses in the area. Many of the businesses plan to open again tomorrow. 50 Cherry Hill firefighters, and another 20 or so from surrounding communities, were in service at the height of this fire. No injuries to civilians or emergency workers were reported. At this time, fire investigators feel the area of origin of this fire is to the rear of the deli, but all aspects of this fire remain under investigation by the Cherry Hill Fire Marshal’s Office.
As firefighters assisted with the evacuation, they simultaneously began an interior attack, deploying two hose lines inside the deli and 2nd floor office space to try and locate and extinguish the fire. Because of the thick smoke, and reports of fire above them, in the common attic areas, firefighters decided to switch to a defensive attack outside the burning buildings to control the fast moving fire. After the bulk of the fire had been knocked down, firefighters resumed an interior operation to extinguish remaining hot spots and check for extension.
Firefighters also believe the steady 10 - 14 mph wind out of the southwest enabled this fire to move as fast as it did, and credit a firewall to the east of the fire building with helping them in keeping this fire from heavily damaging other businesses. There was heavy damage to the deli, and smoke and water damage to the adjacent businesses. The fire was placed under control in about 75 minutes.
Because of the numerous fire apparatus in the area, and the limited access to this shopping center, customers were unable to use several businesses in the area. Many of the businesses plan to open again tomorrow. 50 Cherry Hill firefighters, and another 20 or so from surrounding communities, were in service at the height of this fire. No injuries to civilians or emergency workers were reported. At this time, fire investigators feel the area of origin of this fire is to the rear of the deli, but all aspects of this fire remain under investigation by the Cherry Hill Fire Marshal’s Office.
