Firefighters End A Busy Year With A Building Fire

Willingboro Firefighters ended a busy year with a building fire at a vacant bank. The bank is located across from Fire Headquarters at the corner of Charleston Road and JFK Way. Firefighters received a call for an activated fire alarm at the former Beneficial Bank at 4:42 pm on December 30th. As the crew was preparing to leave the station, they noticed smoke coming from the attic vents. Captain Ramsey immediately requested the county's 911 center to upgrade the assignment as a building fire.

The crew arrived on scene and noticed a smoke condition inside the bank. Captain Ramsey assumed the command position as Firefighters Rydarowski and Carty forced open the front doors of the building. Once inside, Firefighter Carty manned a 1 3/4" handline as Firefighter Rydarowski used long hooks to pull down ceiling tiles. This allowed the firefighters to locate a small fire that was burning in the attic.

Delran Fire Department Deputy Chief 2310 arrived on scene and set up a Command Post in front of the building. Ladder Trucks from Willingboro and Delran were set up in front of the building in case the fire got out of control and went through the roof. A crew from Beverly Fire Department was also inside the building to assist with checking for any hidden fire.

The fire was confined to a small portion of the attic. Chief of Department Burnett and FI 161 were called to the scene. The fire was placed under control in about 25 minutes. A representative of Beneficial Bank was called to the scene and the electric and gas service were disconnected to the building. All units were released from the scene by 6:49 pm.