Firefighters Quickly Control Hawthorne Park House Fire
 
By Firefighter Mark Robertson Sr.
May 25, 2017
 

Firefighters from Willingboro and neighboring towns were able to quickly control a house fire in Hawthorne Park on May 14th. The department was dispatched at 10:10 am to 15 Hawthorne Lane for a house fire. Engine 1612 and Ladder 1615 were on scene in less than five minutes. Lieutenant Costello reported fire showing from the second floor, and requested "All Companies In Service" which indicates a significant fire.

Captain Gardner took Command of the incident, as Lieutenant Costello and the crew of Engine 1612 entered the home. They made their way to the second floor with a 1 3/4" hoseline. The crew entered a bedroom and found heavy fire and heat conditions. They were able to quickly control the fire and conduct an initial search of the second floor.

Westampton Engine 2723 arrived on scene and its crew proceeded to the second floor to help check for any hidden fire in the attic of the Cape Cod style home. Mount Laurel Engine 3611 arrived on scene and assumed the duties of RIC. Once Cinnaminson RIC 2021 arrived on scene, the crew from Engine 3611 assisted with removing burnt debris from the home. Chief of Department Burnett was able to place the fire under control at 10:28 am.

The crews were able to keep the fire damage limited to one bedroom. The rest of the second floor sustained heat and smoke damage. A representative from the Willingboro Township Construction Office responded and deemed the house uninhabitable due to the damage, and all of the utilities being shut off. The American Red Cross was called to assist with temporary housing and provisions for three adults and three children. An investigation was conducted by the Burlington County and NJ State Fire Marshals offices. All units were clear from the scene at 1:18 pm

 
Units: Chief 1600, Engine 1612, Ladder 1615, and Ambulance 1693
 
Mutual Aid: Westampton Engine 2723, Mount Laurel Engine 3611, Burlington Township Squirt 3014, Cinnaminson RIC 2021, and the Burlington County and NJ State Fire Marshals Offices