A late afternoon fire caused significant fire, heat, and smoke damage to a home in the township's Pennypacker Park section. The department and several neighboring fire departments were called to 14 Peachfield Lane on the afternoon of February 10th at 3:47 pm. Police officers quickly arrived and reported smoke coming from the home. Engines 1613 and 1612 arrived on location in four minutes, and Lieutenant Fresco reported fire showing from two windows on the first floor of the home.

Firefighters E. O'Donnell and D. O'Donnell entered the structure with a 2" hose line and started to extinguish the fire. They encountered heavy smoke and heat upon entering the home. They immediately started to extinguish fire that had totally consumed a first floor bedroom. The crew of Engine 1612 connected a 5" water supply line to a nearby fire hydrant, and then connected that line to Engine 1613. The crew also assisted with other fireground tasks.

Captain Friddell had become the Command Officer and completed a full assessment of the entire home from the exterior. He noticed heavy smoke coming from the second floor, and was advised that a person may still be in the home. Once the fire was contained on the first floor, Lieutenant Fresco and Firefighter D. O'Donnell finished searching both floors of the home. They also opened up the walls on the second floor to see if the fire had extended into the attic.

Chief of Department Burnett and Deputy Chief Clark arrived on scene, with Chief Burnet taking over as the Command Officer. The next arriving crew from Beverly entered the home with a 1 3/4" hose line and started to extinguish small pockets of hidden fire on the first floor. Companies from Mount Laurel, Delran, Cinnaminson, and Moorestown also responded to the fire. The fire was placed under control at 4:11 pm.

A joint investigation is being conducted by the Burlington County Fire Marshals Office and the Willingboro Township Police Department. All utilities were disconnected from the home, and a company was called in to secure the property. The American Red Cross was called to assist the residents of the home. Units from Westampton and Riverside were on stand by in Willingboro incase of additional emergencies in the town. All units were clear from the scene at 6:46 pm.

Photos courtesy of Rod Hardy