Quick Work By Firefighters Limits Damage To Hawthorne Park Home
 
By Firefighter Mark Robertson Sr.
August 25, 2016
 

Quick work by firefighters from Willingboro and neighboring towns helped to limit damage to a home in the Hawthorne Park section of town. On the evening of August 14th Willingboro Firefighters, along with firefighters from neighboring towns, were called to 40 Hadley Lane for a house fire. The county's 911 Center had received several calls for a house with fire coming from the roof. The units were dispatched at 7:06 pm, and Engine 1613 was on scene in three minutes.

Upon the arrival of Engine 1613, Acting Lieutenant Fresco reported a two-story home with fire from the attic. He requested "All Companies In Service", which signifies a major fire. Captain Gardner took Command of the incident as Acting Lieutenant Fresco and Firefighters Rydarowski and Riley went to the second floor. The crew encountered no smoke in the house, but used a thermal imaging camera to confirm a fire in the attic. They used hand tools to pull down the ceiling and walls in the master bedroom to expose heavy fire conditions.

A 1 3/4" hose line was used to start extinguishing the fire in the attic. Westampton Engine 2723 arrived on scene and assisted the firefighters on the second floor. Chief of Department Burnett arrived and took Command of the incident. Crews from Willingboro Engine 1612 and Mount Laurel Engine 3611 assisted with removing smoke and heat from the second floor. The fire was placed under control at 7:29 pm.

Due to the fire damage to the second floor, the Willingboro Township Construction Office condemned the home. Chief Burnett called the American Red Cross to assist with temporary housing and provisions for the home's occupants. Firefighters did assist the residents with retrieving some personal items from the home. An investigation was conducted by the Burlington County Fire Marshals Office. Willingboro Fire Headquarters was covered by an Engine from Delran and a Ladder Truck from Burlington City. All units were clear of the scene at 9:22 pm.

 
Units: Chief 1600, Engines 1613 and 1612, and Ambulances 1692 and 1694
 
Mutual Aid: Westampton Engine 2723, Mount Laurel Engine 3611, Burlington Township Squirt 3014, Burlington City RIC 9031, Moorestown RIC 3113, and Burlington County Fire Marshals Office. Cover: Delran Engine 2312 and Burlington City Ladder 9035