Willingboro Firefighters Battle Another House Fire

Willingboro firefighters responded to the second house fire in as many days under cold and snowy conditions. Firefighters were called to 38 Belmont Lane at 9:04 am on December 20th. The crew of Engine 1613 and 1615 were originally called to the home for an odor of something burning. When the crews arrived in four minutes they found smoke and fire coming from a corner of the second floor roof.

Captain Gardner immediately requested a full structure fire assignment, which brings in additional firefighters from neighboring towns. He and Firefighter Bennett entered the home and assisted in removing the residents who were still in the home. Firefighter's Anderson and D. O'Donnell entered the home with a 1 3/4" handline to start extinguishing the fire in the attic. As the crews were extinguishing the fire, Chief of Department Burnett arrived on scene and assumed command of the incident.

A crew from Burlington City arrived on scene and laid a 5" supply line from a nearby hydrant to Engine 1613. Crews from Beverly and Delran also arrived on scene to assist with making sure there was no hidden fire still in the attic. Chief Burnett placed the fire under control in 27 minutes. The fire was confined to the attic of the home with some smoke and water damage to the second floor.

The fire was determined to be accidental due to a problem with electrical wiring. The investigation was conducted by the Burlington County and NJ State Fire Marshals. No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the fire. The family that lives in the home was given assistance for temporary housing by the American Red Cross. Chief Burnett released all crews from the scene at 10:53 am.