1-24-2010(Camden County)GLOUCESTER CITY 751 Water St.-5th Alarm Building

At 4:25 A.M. a box was transmitted in Gloucester City for a reported building fire. Companies from Gloucester City, Collingswood, Bellmawr, Mt. Ephraim and Westville were dispatched on the initial box. Gloucester City Command, Battalion 504, struck the all hands from several blocks away as a large column was visible in the sky. Crews arrived at Amspec Chemical Corporation Warehouse to find heavy fire conditions in the 3 story 300x300 building. Command reported a 3 story brick section of the warehouse to be fully involved. Companies prepared to go into defensive operations as Command struck additional alarms. Command requested the Fire Boat from Philadelphia to respond as the building was located on the edge of the Delaware River. Command also requested the 5” strike team to be dispatched for water supply. The Haz Mat Unit was also dispatched from Cherry Hill for air quality control for the Chemicals in the building. The fire reached 5 alarms as companies were in operation with Ladder Pipes. The section of the building where the chemicals were stored was not involved in fire but firefighters operating on the fire ground were advised to be on air as a precaution. Companies operated on the fire ground for 2 hours before Command reported the fire to be under control. Companies remained on scene for an extended period of time hitting hit spots. Multiple towns from 3 Counties were called in to assist battling the blaze. The building was reported to be vacant at the time of the fire. The Camden County Fire Marshals have the fire under investigation. No injuries were reported on the fire ground.

--Photos NJFG Ted Aurig