| Soon after midnight, Task Force 14 was dispatched for a reported building fire at "The Shops at 116" located at 116 East Kings Highway. A passerby drove up to Station 14-1 and reported smoke from the roof area. Upon arrival of 1401 (Chief Joe Riggs) and Squad 1411, crews found a two-story strip mall with heavy smoke showing from the roof area and the eaves.
Squad 1411 laid into the job and led off with an 1 3/4" handline. At that time, 1401 requested Rescue 1516 for FAST and Squad 13 (Cherry Hill) as an additional engine company. Chief Riggs then asked to have the "All-Hands" dispatched bringing Rehab 13-8 (Deer Park), Cascade 1-1 (Audubon), Squirt 1511 and BLS 1392 (Cherry Hill).
Rescue 1516 responded under the command of Captain John Young and upon arrival assumed FAST service on Division A. 1511 responded under the command of Assistant Chief Mike Vitelli and upon arrival, staged in the rear of the building and set the main up to the roof. Chief Riggs then asked for an additonal FAST and the crew of 1516 was asked to relocate to Division C.
While walking down the hallway the crew from Rescue 1516 found the glass to be warm and discolored at the Mane Stop. Captain Young advised command of the situation and 1516's crew forced entry into the store and located the seat of the fire which almost burnt itself out. Engine 141's crew stretched a handline into the store and knocked the bulk of the fire down as crews started to open up in the store to check for extention.
1511's crew checked for possible extention to the roof area due to large voids. Companies operated on scene for over two hours assisting the Fire Marshals Office. No firefighter or civilian injuries reported and the fire is under investigation by the Camden County Fire Marshals Office. |
