Monday, February 7, 2011

Cherry Hill Firefighters Battle House Fire

At approximately 1425 hours on Monday afternoon Cherry Hill Firefighters were alerted to a report of a house fire in the 400 block of Downs Drive. Squad 13, Squrt 1331, Ladder 1344, and Battalion 13, along with a BLS unit responded on the initial alarm. Battalion 13 upgraded the assignment to a working fire dispatch adding Ladder 1324, with a visible column of smoke from Station 3.


Three companies were on the scene with in five minutes of dispatch and found a single family dwelling with fire on the first and second floor. The fire was extending rapidly into the attic and threatening the neighbor’s home. Squad 13's crew deployed a 2 1/2" hand line and initiated an attack on the main body of fire in the two car garage. Battalion 13 assumed command and Squrt 1331's crew deployed a 1 3/4" hose line to the second floor and the two engine companies moved inside to extinguish the fire. 

Ladder 1344 and 1324 conducted a primary search with negative results and initiate ventilation of the dwelling. Members opened up walls and ceilings to assist the engine companies with extinguishing the fire in the attic space. Engine 1322 was special called into the scene as a rapid intervention crew.
Mutual aid from Lawnside, Haddonfield, and Maple Shade provided coverage for Cherry Hill Fire stations. The fire was place under control with in 25 minutes.  No injuries were reported.  A total of 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, and 3 chief officers responded to the scene.