Firefighters Battle Fire and Snowstorm In Garfield East

 
By Firefighter Mark Robertson Sr.
December 19, 2009
 

As bizzard conditions covered the area, Willingboro firefighters were busy battling a house fire at 58 Edgely Lane. Firefighters were called to the home at 2:32 pm, on Saturday, December 19th. While enroute to the fire Captain Ramsey and the crew of Engine 1613 were advised that police were on location with fire showing. Engine 1613 arrived in seven minutes and Captain Ramsey confirmed fire through the roof and requested "All Companies In Service".

Firefighter Ferrell pulled a 2" handline and entered the home. The second floor had heavy fire in a bedroom and the hallway. Firefighter Ferrell started to extinguish the fire as Firefighter Robertson used a hand tool to check the attic area in the other bedroom for fire. A crew from Westampton Fire Department assisted with checking the rest of the attic area. The crews were able to contain the fire to the one bedroom and the hallway.

As the crews were extinguishing the fire, Chief of Department Burnett arrived on location and assumed command of the incident. Engine 2721 from Westampton established a water supply for Engine 1613 from a nearby hydrant. Firefighters from Mount Laurel assisted with removing the vinyl siding from the home to check for any hidden fire. Chief Burnett was able to place the fire under control in 21 minutes.

There were no injuries to any civilians or firefighters. Firefighter Ferrell did fall partially through the floor of the bedroom that was on fire, however he received no injuries. The fire was investigated by the Burlington County and NJ State Fire Marshals. The fire appears to be accidental in nature. The family that lived in the home was provided temporary housing assistance by the American Red Cross.

Firefighters from Delran and Burlington City provided coverage in Willingboro in case of any additional incidents. Willingboro firefighters remained on location in the worsening snow conditions throughout the investigation. All units were cleared from the incident at 6:52 pm.

 
Units: Chief 1600, Engine 1613, Cascade 1619, Utility 1616, Fire Police 1618, and Ambulance 1691
 
Mutual Aid: Westampton Engine 2721 and Ambulance 2781, Mount Laurel Battalion Chief 3620 and Quint 3614, Moorestown RIT 3112, Burlington City RIT 9061, Delran Ambulance 2392, Burlington County and NJ State Fire Marshals