Vacant House Damaged By Fire In Country Club Park
 
By Firefighter Mark Robertson Sr.
May 4, 2017
 

Willingboro firefighters, along with firefighters from surrounding towns, were able to quickly control a house fire in the Country Club Park section of town. The units were called to 155 Club House Drive at 12:30 am on the morning of May 1st. A neighbor reported that a vacant house next to his was on fire. While responding to the incident, Engine 1613 and Ladder 1615 were advised that police were on location with fire through the roof. Lieutenant Ferrell requested "All Companies In Service", which indicates a significant fire.

The units were on location in nine minutes, and found a one story rancher with fire through the garage roof. Lieutenant Ferrell took Command of the incident as the crews prepared to enter the home. 1612's driver, Firefighter D. O'Donnell, connected a 5" supply hose to a hydrant across the street. Captain Clark, along with firefighters Bennett and C. Clark, entered the home with a 2" hoseline. The crew encountered heavy heat and smoke in the house, with heavy fire above them in the attic.

As the crew was making progress, Beverly Engine 1222 arrived on scene and the crew pulled a 2.5" hose line to back up Engine 1612. A crew from Delran Engine 2312 removed the two roll-up garage doors from the home. This helped to remove heat and smoke from the home. Chief of Department Burnett arrived on scene and established a Command Post, as Lieutenant Ferrell became the Operations officer. He was able to place the incident under control at 1:01 am.

Even though the house was reported to be vacant, it was checked twice since neighbors reported squatters had been seen on the property. The Willingboro Township Construction Office responded to the scene and ensured the building would be properly secured after firefighters cleared the scene. An investigation is being conducted by the Burlington County Fire Marshals Office. All units were released from the scene at 3:01 am.

 
Units: Chief 1600, Engine 1612, Ladder 1615, and Ambulance 1693
 
Mutual Aid: Beverly Engine 1222, Delran Engine 2312 and Ambulance 2393, Moorestown Deputy Chief 3101 and RIT 3113, Cinnaminson RIT 2021, Mount Laurel Engine 3611, and Burlington County Fire Marshals Office