9-6-2010 (Camden County)CAMDEN 438 Cherry St.- 3rd Alarm Dwelling

On September 6, 2010 at 7:40 p.m. a 911 call was recieved that a house was on fire on the 400 block of Cherry Street in Camden City. A full dwelling box was dispatched. Camden County Communications advised responding units they were recieving multiple calls for 438 Cherry Street with flames showing from the windows. The 3rd Engine was added to the box. Battalion 1 arrived and reported a vacant and boarded two story end of the row, with heavy fire conditions. The All Hands box was struck. At the 10 minute mark, Car 3 reported 1 master stream and multiple 2 1/2" hand lines were in operation in a defensive mode. The 2nd alarm was transmitted for exposure problems. Companies searched the attached exposures to confirm no occupants inside. 3 minutes later the 3rd alarm box was struck. Companies remained in a defensive operation as the original fire building was heavily involved with fire spreading to the D1 and D2 exposures in the roof area. At the 20 minute mark Car 3 reported multiple master streams were in operation on the main fire building making good progress. Hand lines were also stretched in the exposure dwellings. A call was made to the water department to boost the water pressure in the mains. Crews remained in a defensive operation as the fire was brought under control at 8:53 p.m. Three firefighters were treated and transported to a local hospital for minor injures and medical problems. The American Red Cross was called for the displaced occupants from the exposures. All City units were utilized at the fire as well as mutual aid from surrounding towns. The Camden City Fire Marshals have the fire under investigation.

--Photos NJFG Ted Aurig