| At 0221 hours Station 15-1 and BLS 1557 were dispatched to 26 Cooper Street for a reported Dwelling Fire. Two minutes after dispatch Police were on location reporting heavy fire on the second floor of the dwelling, prompting Communications to re-tone the Station and add Squad 16 (Collingswood) due to the Police report and multiple calls.
Squirt 15-1 responded under the command of Captain John Young and Ladder 15-1 responded under the command of Lieutenant Dan Devitt and both apparatus arrived on location within 4 minutes of dispatch. Squirt 15-1 reported a 2 ½ story dwelling with heavy fire showing from the second floor.
Chief John Medes arrived on location and assumed Command. Squirt 15-1 stretched an 1 ¾ hand line for fire suppression. Ladder 15-1 assisted Squirt 15-1 in the deployment of the hand line and went inside to start opening up. Squad 16 arrived on location and stretched a backup hand line.
Squirt 15-1 obtained its own water supply. Engine 1512 responded under the command of Lieutenant John Vernon and upon arrival went to the first floor to open up. Interior crews reported zero visibility and heavy fire conditions on the second floor.
At the ten minute mark Chief Medes reported heavy smoke and fire conditions on the second floor with 2 hand lines in operation and Companies were making progress. Chief Medes then transmitted the "All-Hands" signal.
Companies on the second floor knocked the bulk of the fire down and were opening up and checking for extension. At the twenty minute mark Chief Medes reported all visible fire was knocked down and had 3 hand lines in operation. EMS at this time was notified of a resident that needed to be evaluated.
The fire was placed under control at 0253 hours. BLS and ALS transported one occupant to the hospital. Companies remained on location assisting the County and Local FM. Companies were released from the fire ground at 0645.
The fire is under investigation by the Camden County Prosecutors Arson Unit and the Haddon Township Fire Marshal. |
