3-19-2014 (Gloucester County) Mullica Hill - 9 East Ave - Fatal 3rd Alarm Dwelling Fire

At 0436 hours Station 23-1 was dispatched to East Ave for a smoke investigation. Shortly after dispatch another 911 call was received by County Communications reporting a house fire with subjects trapped at 9 East Ave, in the Mullica Hill Section of Harrison Township. 23103 arrived confirming a working fire with 1 occupant still inside. The Chief requested the re-dispatch for the all hands fire, dispatching District 23, Ladder 2516, Rescue 1918 and Salem County RIC 12. Ladder 2316 arrived and conducted a primary search of the 1st floor and basement with negative results. The house was 2.5 stories balloon frame single family dwelling and the fire was difficult to locate. Multiple hand lines and truck company operations were placed in service. 1 occupant was found and had succumbed to his injuries. Multiple mutual aid companies assisted and about 75 personnel were on scene, with no firefighter injuries reported. The fire is being investigated by the Gloucester County Fire Marshal's Office and the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office in conjunction with the Harrison Township Police Department, and the Harrison Township Fire Marshal's Office.