4-9-2009 (Camden County) CHERRY HILL - 2099 E. Rt 70 (Ace Hardware) - 2nd Alarm Building Fire - All Hands

CHFD Press Release Phone: (856) 795-9805 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: April 10, 2009 CHERRY HILL FIREFIGHTERS FIGHT STUBBORN 2-ALARM FIRE IN ROUTE 70 HARDWARE STORE. ONE FIREFIGHTER INJURED At just around 8:20 PM on April 10, 2009, Cherry Hill Firefighters responded to a reported fire alarm activation at the strip mall located at 2099 Route 70 East. As the Battalion Chief arrived, he reported a heavy smoke condition from the front of the store and immediately ordered additional resources to the scene. First arriving crews on scene established a water supply and took positions in the front and the rear of the building. Firefighters forced entry into the hardware store and encountered a well advanced fire and heavy smoke. Multiple hose lines were used to fight the large volume of fire within the hardware store. Additionally crews on the roof used power saws to open ventilation points to relieve the heavy smoke and heat in an effort to better conditions for firefighters working below. A 2nd Alarm was ordered to bring additional firefighters and equipment to the scene. In all, about 40 firefighters managed to place this fire under control in just over an hour. There was extensive damage to the hardware store and heavy smoke damage to a total of four stores. There were no injuries to civilians. One Cherry Hill Firefighter Joseph Leusner age 40 was transported by Cherry Hill Fire Department EMT’s to Virtua Hospital in Voorhees. Leusner a 10 year veteran was assigned as the fire apparatus driver and was controlling the pump outside the building. Leusner was forced to work in the smoke as the first arriving team of firefighters set up their hose lines. At on point the smoke was heavy enough to extend across Route 70 forcing traffic to stop. Firefighter Leusner continued to manage the pump controls until another firefighter relieved his position. Leusner is being evaluated for smoke inhalation and is expected to be released in a few days. This fire is currently under investigation by the Cherry Hill and Camden County Fire Marshal Offices and Cherry Hill Police. Thank you to CHFD for the Press Release

Photos By NJFG: William Rieger III