7-19-2009(Camden County)WESTMONT 205 Emerald Ave-2nd Alarm Dwelling

A dwelling fire box was dispatched at 7:07 p.m. Camden County Communications notified responding units they were receiving multiple calls for a house on fire. Assistant Chief Vitelli reported from several blocks away heavy smoke in the area transmitting the all hands. Upon arrival Command reported heavy fire conditions on the 2nd floor of a 2 ½ story wood frame twin dwelling. Engine 1512 arrived and let off with a 2 ½” hand line on the 2nd floor. Squirt 15-1 secured a water supply for 1512, and placed a 1 ¾” hand line in operation in the exposure. Ladder 15-1 placed ground ladders and performed ventilation operations. Interior crews reported heavy fire conditions on the 2nd floor of the original fire building with extension in to the attic of the exposure and heavy smoke throughout. All occupants were out of the dwellings and accounted for. One dog was also removed from the dwelling unharmed. At the 10 minute mark, Command ordered the evacuation tones to bring all firefighters out of the building and set up for defensive operations as conditions worsened. The 2nd Alarm was sounded. At the 20 minute mark Command reported companies were in operations with a 2 ½”, 1 ¾” hand lines as well as the Ladder Pipe to know the bulk of the fire down. Companies remained in defensive operations as the fire was brought under control at the 1 hour mark. Companies from Collingswood, Oaklyn, Audubon and Cherry Hill assisted Westmont Firefighters bring the blaze under control. No firefighter injuries were reported on the fire ground. Westmont units remained on location hitting hot spots till midnight. The Camden County Fire Marshals Office and Westmont Fire Company have the fire under investigation.

--Photos NJFG Ted Aurig & William Rieger III