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Just after 16:30 this afternoon, Box 427 was dispatched for a reported dwelling fire in the 200 block of Cedar Street. Several apparatus responding immediately reported a heavy plume of smoke coming from the area. Engine 1 arrived in the block and reported fire in a lot extending to a dwelling. Several hose lines were used to extinguish the fires
Firefighters advanced an attack line into 238 Cedar and hit the fire on the first floor. Another line was pulled and concentrated on playground equipment burning in the lot next door. A third line was also advanced into the dwelling and taken to the 2nd floor while two other lines were used to hit fire that extended to a garage in the rear of the lot and also the rear of the home.
A number of crews were on the rooftops of both buildings and used numerous saws to open up the roof decking to expose the flames. An extensive overhaul was needed to completely extinguish the fire.
Around 17:00, Car 1 called for a second alarm due to the excessive heat to assist crews with the overhaul and wrap up of equipment. As firefighters began to wrap up, a severe storm moved into the area which dumped heavy rain down on them. Although the storm cooled the air considerably, lightening flashes made working outside as dangerous as working to put out the fire.
The fire was reported to have begun in the lot next to the dwelling and consumed the playground equipment before spreading to the home. The fire heavily damaged the first and second floors in the rear of the building and a portion of the garage in back of the lot and a fence in the rear of an Elm Street home.
Car 10 responded on the box alarm and began to investigate with police once they arrived on the scene.
The home was occupied at the time of the fire but there was no word on the occupants. Utilities were on scene and cut the services to the residence.
Engines 1, 3, 9 and 13 safety, Tower 1, Ladder 1, Rescue 1, Medic 603 and Cars 1 and 9 were assigned to the box. Engine 11, 5, and Ladder 3 responded on the 2nd alarm.
photos by Andrew Koch (Cherry Hil Fire Department)
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