Garfield Park North Home Destroyed By Fire
 
By Firefighter Mark Robertson Sr.
May 22, 2014
 

At 5:05 pm on the afternoon of May 18th, Willingboro Firefighters were called to 41 Normont Lane for a house on fire. Ambulance 1692 arrived on scene first and reported smoke coming from the house. Engine 1613 and Ladder 1615 arrived in five minutes and found smoke coming from the rear of a one-story house. Engine 1613 connected a 5" hoseline to a nearby hydrant, and Ladder 1615 proceeded to the front of the house.

Captain Ramsey took Command of the incident as Engine 1613's crew prepared to enter the home. Upon further investigation, Captain Ramsey found heavy fire coming from the rear of the home. He advised the County's 911 Center to place "all companies in service", signifying a major fire. Firefighter Centrone entered the home with a 1 3/4" hoseline, while Lieutenant Friddell and Firefighter Daleus entered the home with hand tools.

The crew encountered heavy fire and heat conditions in the kitchen and living room of the house. The fire also started to burn in the attic area. Using the hand tools and hoseline, the crew was able to start quickly containing the fire. Chief of Department Burnett arrived on scene and took Command of the incident, while Captain Ramsey assumed the Operations position.

The crew was able to control the fire in 18 minutes after arrival on scene. Firefighters from Burlington Township and Mount Laurel arrived on scene and searched the home for any occupants. They also opened widows to remove smoke and heat from the house. A crew from Beverly Fire Department was also on scene to assist with searching for hidden fire.

There were no injuries as a result of the fire. The home sustained heavy fire damage to the kitchen, living room, and attic, with smoke and heat damage to the rest of the home. An investigation was completed by the Burlington County Fire Marshals Office. All units were clear from the scene at 8:15 pm.

 
Units: Chief 1600, Engine 1613, Ladder 1615, and Ambulances 1691 and 1692
 
Mutual Aid: Burlington Township Squirt 3014, Mount Laurel Battalion Chief 3620 and Ladder 3615, Beverly Deputy Chief 1201 and Engine 1224, Moorestown RIT 3113, Burlington City RIT 9061, and Burlington County Fire Marshals Office