CHFD News & Information

5.2.08 CHFD EMS Chief Honored by Rotary Club

2008-05-07T12:16:00.011-04:00

Cherry Hill Fire Department EMS Chief, Randall McCargar was selected as the 2008 Cherry Hill Rotary Club Public Safety Person of the Year. Chief McCargar was honored at the 2nd Annual Rotary Club Community Service Awards Dinner & Raffle. The raffle, which is a fundraiser for the Club’s many charitable offerings, is 16 years old and usually raises about $15,000. Due to its success, the Club decided to expand the idea of the fundraiser into a community outreach program and offer special recognition to people that serve Cherry Hill in the fields of: Education; Health Care; & Public Safety.

Chief McCargar was nominated and accepted for his “outstanding and stellar career serving the public as an Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic", according to Rotary Club Secretary Jeff King. Chief McCargar’s 34 year career in EMS has taken him around the country serving at various levels. After a national search for an experienced EMS leader in 2003, he and his wife Pam relocated to Cherry Hill when Randy was selected as EMS Chief for the Cherry Hill Fire Department. Since, he has implemented a first class EMS operation and positioned Cherry Hill’s EMS services as one of the finest pre-hospital care services in the region. According to Chief Giorgio; “Chief McCargar is one of those people that adds value to whatever he does, is fun to work with, proud of his profession; and in his short time with our department has become a key figure both today and for our future”. Please join us in congratulating Chief McCargar’s achievement.

4.20.08 CHFD Joins 9-11 Patriotic Celebration

2008-04-24T15:52:00.003-04:00

Cherry Hill Firefighters and EMTs joined residents, police officers and veterans at the 7th Annual 9-11 Remembrance & Patriotic Gratitude Event. Held on Chapel Avenue under the shade of the cherry trees, planted each year by Cherry Hill resident, Joe Zanghi, a moment of silence was observed in reflection of support for the men, women and families affected by the tragic events of September 11, 2001; and to offer an endorsement for the men and woman of our armed services. For a slideshow of the 2 mile stretch of 3,000 cherry trees along Chapel Ave, visit the Cherry Blossoms website.

4.12.08 CHFD Emergency Workers on Scene Struck By Car

2008-04-13T11:54:00.002-04:00

From the official CHFD Press Release: At just around 9:15 AM, on Saturday, April 12, 2008, one Cherry Hill Fire Department EMT and one fire department Paramedic were struck by a motorist while working on another emergency scene in the westbound lanes of Route 70.

The EMT and Paramedic were operating on the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving four vehicles with five victims that required transport to a hospital. While they were loading one patient already on a stretcher into the ambulance, they were struck by a motorist. The vehicle went around the backed-up traffic and onto the shoulder where the EMS personnel were operating and struck them and their vehicle.

Both injured EMS personnel were treated on the scene by Cherry Hill Firefighters also working at the original accident scene. Additional emergency workers were called to assist with the two accidents. All patients from the original accident were transported to local hospitals. The injured EMT and Paramedic were transported to Virtua hospital where they are under observation with non life threatening injuries.

Chief Giorgio remarked: “Accidents involving emergency workers operating on a roadway can be career ending and often fatal. This incident highlights the risk our EMTs and Firefighters take every day performing their duties. Our EMTs respond to about 7,500 calls each year and accidents make up a decent portion of that total. We encourage all motorists to slow down and increase their awareness near accident scenes, especially when there are emergency vehicles and personnel operating. Sometimes, this increased awareness and care is the only protection emergency responders have while operating on our roadways”.

Of particular interest; one of the EMS workers struck is in training for the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride set to begin on May 17th, 2008. This 500 mile bike ride is a component of the Annual EMS Memorial held in Roanoke. VA. This ride has the multiple objective of: Remembering fellow EMS workers who have died in the line of duty, raise public awareness about EMS line of duty deaths and disabilities; honor EMS providers who work despite dangerous safety conditions; and others.

This incident is currently under investigation by the Cherry Hill Fire Department and Cherry Hill Police.

4.6.08 CHFD Assists Camden FD at 3-Alarm Blaze

2008-04-10T13:14:00.007-04:00

Fire Departments from Camden, Cherry Hill, Audubon, & Bellmawr worked together to fight this 3-alarm blaze in an abandoned Camden warehouse in the 1100 block of Linden Ave during the late afternoon of Sunday, April 6th, 2008. CHFD members from Ladder 2 responded on the 2nd alarm when the incident commander requested a tower ladder. This is a perfect example of how regional emergency services assist each other with “mutual aid” assignments and readiness. More information can be found in the Courier Post article concerning this fire. More images, graciously donated, can be found on our Flickr.com picture site. Or for even more pictures, visit www.southjerseyfire.com.

3.31.08 - Firefighters Make Quick Work of a Hot Basement Fire

2008-04-01T13:04:00.006-04:00

From the Official CHFD Press Release: At just around 3:30 in the afternoon on March 31, 2008, Cherry Hill Firefighters responded to a reported house fire on Banner Road in the Surrey Place East development. The homeowner was at home and heard some loud popping sounds towards the front of his house. He investigated and discussed the sounds with electrical contractors trenching fiber optic cable for Verizon FiOS directly in front of his home. They had been working in the neighborhood for some time.

Within minutes, as they were discussing the possibility they may have contacted buried utilities, the homeowner noticed a heavy smoke condition coming from his basement and called 9-1-1. Firefighters arrived and immediately went in service with a hose line to the basement to extinguish the fire. At the same time, the house was opened up to ventilate the growing smoke condition. A second hose line was placed in service when it was discovered the fire had severely impacted the basement ceiling and had extended to the first floor. Also, even though the homeowner indicated he was the only one at home, firefighters performed a systematic search for anyone possible remaining in the dwelling.

Once all fire was extinguished, firefighters searched for further extension. It was felt the exterior wall on the side of the house most affected may have some fire extension, so teams worked on the inside and outside of the house to uncover any hidden hot spots. In all, 25 firefighters managed to place this fire under control in about 15 minutes. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters reported at the scene. However, this family of three is displaced from their home. This fire is currently under investigation by the Cherry Hill Fire Marshal's Office.

3.10.08 - Dwelling Fire in Backyard of CHFD Fire Station 2.

2008-03-10T16:21:00.000-04:00

As taken from CHFD Official Press Release: At around 3:50 AM, March 10, 2008, Cherry Hill Firefighters at Cherry Hill’s Station 2 on West Route 70 and Cooper Ave. became aware of some commotion to the rear of their fire station. As one of the firefighters investigated through a window, they quickly realized there was a serious fire in the dwelling bordering the back of the firehouse.

One occupant who was asleep on the first floor and awoke to the sound of her smoke detector and immediately smelled a strong odor of smoke. She woke the other occupants, including a two year old toddler, and they evacuated the dwelling calling 911. She then ran to the door of the firehouse to alert firefighters.

As firefighters raced to grab their gear, they called in the fire to dispatchers as a full alarm to get the appropriate response and moved their apparatus out of the firehouse and into their own parking lot. One team of firefighters advanced a hose line to the rear of the dwelling where the heaviest fire had completely engulfed an outside porch area. At the same time, the balance of the firefighters worked with the occupants make sure everyone was out of the house.

As other teams of firefighters arrived, they advanced a second hose line into the house to back up the first, and encountered a quick moving fire that had consumed the laundry room and kitchen and was moving rapidly to the adjacent rooms. At the same time, even though all occupants were reported out, firefighters coordinated a systematic search of every room. They also began to open up all the windows of the house to alleviate the heavy smoke condition which had spread throughout the home. Once all visible fire was extinguished, firefighters opened up walls and ceilings to search for extension.
In all, 30 firefighters managed to place this fire under control in about 15 minutes. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters reported at the scene. This fire is currently under investigation by the Cherry Hill and Camden County Fire Marshal Offices and Cherry Hill Police. For additional pictures, visit the CHFD's Flickr photo web site.

3/8 & 3/9 - CHFD Answers All Calls During the Storm....

2008-03-10T14:41:00.005-04:00

As the tri-state area was ravaged by wind and rain over the 48 hour period from March 8th to 9th, the Cherry Hill Fire Department responded to more than XX storm related calls. Beginning with the heavy rains on Friday night into Saturday and the unusually strong and gusty winds on Saturday, firefighters were busy around the clock.
The heavy rain, estimated to be close to 2 inches in our region from the National Weather Service, caused the flooding of several basements. Cherry Hill Firefighters use submersible pumps to bring the water levels down to a safe level, reducing the impact on utilities and the structure. More damaging to the region were the 60 to 65 mph winds. Aside from the typical wires down calls associated with a storm like this, numbering 13 during this storm, firefighters also responded to calls involving significant damage to area structures and buildings.
Firefighters received a call for a structural collapse on Kresson Road, at about 6:00 PM on Saturday night. On their arrival, they encountered scaffolding from the Kresson Road water tower being heavily damaged by the wind. The scaffolding structure had been weakened and wooden planks and ripped portions of large tarps were being blown all over the area, including Kresson Road and the New Jersey Turnpike.
The New Jersey State Police were contacted and the Turnpike was requested shut down between exits 3 and 4, and Cherry Hill Police closed Kresson Road from Covered Bridge Rd. to Browning Rd. until firefighters could better assess the damage and extent of the falling debris. Members of the fire department’s Technical Rescue Team were called out to use sophisticated structural collapse equipment to monitor the water tower structure and the scaffolding. Kresson Road continued to be closed until about 7:00 Am the next day.
During the same period, Cherry Hill Firefighters were called to the Mark 70 Apartment building for numerous reports of a natural gas leak from residents on floors 4 through 18. During the investigation, firefighters found a broken two inch gas main pipe located on the roof that suffered damage when a large 25 by 50 foot section of the roof membrane had been torn away. The natural gas was being drawn into the building by large ventilation fans that normally bring fresh air into the common areas of the building. Public Service Electric & Gas responded to secure and repair the gas leak. Sections of the damaged roof were raining down in the parking and entrance area to the apartment building and Cherry Hill Police were called in to redirect residents to a safer exit.
In all, the fire department responded to about 30 calls during a 12 hour period at the height of the storm. Pictures provided to CHFD by Curt Hudson.

Cherry Hill Hazmat Unit Special Called to Bellmawr

2008-01-31T11:11:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday January 30th at approximately 7:29 PM a fire was reported on Creek Road in Bellmawr at ANA Laboratories. Bellmawr Fire Department units arrived on location with heavy smoke and fire already showing from the business. All employees working at the time safely escaped. Fire department units immediately placed large diameter hose streams in service to extinguish the fire. Soon after firefighters started operating, the rear half of building's roof collapsed forcing an exterior operation. Cherry Hill's Hazardous Materials Unit was special called to identify the chemicals stored in the facility and make decisions on mitigation of the containers and high pressure cylinders used at the property. Several containers exploded in the building during the firefighting operations. Cherry Hill's members were able to safely remove several 55 gallon drums away from building before being exposed to fire or further collapse. During the overhaul operations the members also overpacked, into secure containers, other chemicals with container damage. Camden County Department of Health's Emergency Reponse team was continuing to oversee the proper cleanup of the remaining products within the building. Fire departments from several surrounding towns also responded to assist in firefighting operations. No injuries were reported.
[Additional info and Pics]
[Local News Coverage]

1-26-08 Fast Moving House Fire in Woodland Neighborhood

2008-01-29T16:02:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, January 26, at about 5:30 PM, Cherry Hill Firefighters responded to a reported house fire on Franklin Ave., in the Woodland neighborhood. Reports from dispatchers indicated that there may be trapped occupants still in the house. The first arriving engine company found the house almost entirely involved with fire and a heavy smoke condition. The engine company advanced a hose line to extinguish the fire, while additional arriving firefighters advanced another hose line to back up the first, and search for the report of trap occupants.

The firefighters on scene quickly extinguished the fire and conducted an extensive search from inside the home. No occupants were found inside the home. The reported trapped occupants were in fact, out of the house and were later accounted for. Within 15 minutes of firefighters arriving, the the fire was placed under control. Pictures courtesy of Steve Skipton/Debbie Fortunato.

Cherry Hill Firefighters respond to landmark restaurant

2008-01-20T15:52:00.000-05:00

On 1/16/08 Cherry Hill Firefighters were called to the Coastline restaurant for a report of a fire in the basement. When firefighters arrived they found the first floor and the basement filling with smoke. Firefighters used Thermal Imaging Cameras to find the fire burning in a void space between the the basement and first floors. Power saws were used to cut open the floor and the fire was extinguished. The early 1900's farm house converted to a restaurant suffered minor damage.

1-10-08 - Late Night, Fast Moving House Fire

2008-01-11T12:38:00.001-05:00

Cherry Hill Firefighters arrived on location, at just after 2:00 AM, in the 1300 block of Graham Ave. with a heavy fire condition in the front of the home. Fire was also extending up the walls into the 2nd floor. Crews stretched a hose line to the front of the building and extinguished a heavy fire condition on the exterior and attic space. Firefighters confirmed occupants had evacuated while interior crews conducted searches on both 1st and 2nd floor, and reported fire conditions to the Incident Commander. Firefighters worked to open up walls and ceiling to check for all fire extension. The fire was brought under control and no injuries were reported.

CHFD Battles Fast Moving, 3 Alarm Blaze

2008-01-04T19:56:00.000-05:00

Local News video.

More Local News Coverage

As taken from official CHFD Press Release: At just after 2:00 PM, on Friday, January 4th 2008, Cherry Hill Firefighters were called to the 400 block of Evesham Road, between Springdale and Cropwell Roads. Callers reported seeing fire towards the rear of the Short Hills Deli. Firefighters arrived and encountered a heavy smoke condition from the deli and customers being evacuated with the help of Cherry Hill Police.

As firefighters assisted with the evacuation, they simultaneously began an interior attack, deploying two hose lines inside the deli and 2nd floor office space to try and locate and extinguish the fire. Because of the thick smoke, and reports of fire above them, in the common attic areas, firefighters decided to switch to a defensive attack outside the burning buildings to control the fast moving fire. After the bulk of the fire had been knocked down, firefighters resumed an interior operation to extinguish remaining hot spots and check for extension.

Firefighters also believe the steady 10 - 14 mph wind out of the southwest enabled this fire to move as fast as it did, and credit a firewall to the east of the fire building with helping them in keeping this fire from heavily damaging other businesses. There was heavy damage to the deli, and smoke and water damage to the adjacent businesses. The fire was placed under control in about 75 minutes.

Because of the numerous fire apparatus in the area, and the limited access to this shopping center, customers were unable to use several businesses in the area. Many of the businesses plan to open again tomorrow. 50 Cherry Hill firefighters, and another 20 or so from surrounding communities, were in service at the height of this fire. No injuries to civilians or emergency workers were reported. At this time, fire investigators feel the area of origin of this fire is to the rear of the deli, but all aspects of this fire remain under investigation by the Cherry Hill Fire Marshal’s Office.

As the Year Closes Out…..

2007-12-31T13:43:00.000-05:00

Cherry Hill Firefighters and EMTs respond to what may be the last serious car accident of 2007.

They were called to a reported motor vehicle accident in the early afternoon, around 1 PM, at the busy intersection of Route 70 & Greentree Roads for a motor vehicle accident with reported entrapment. They encountered two vehicles with serious front end damage and a total of three victims in both cars. As EMTs attended to the three victims, Firefighters worked to free one of them who had become pinned inside the vehicle because of the damage. Once free, all victims were transported to local hospitals for their injuries. Firefighters then secured all vehicles and cleaned up any fluids on the roadway.

1 Person Trapped in Accident

2007-12-28T17:14:00.001-05:00

The Cherry Hill Fire Department responded at just after 4:00 pm to a reported motor vehicle accident on Cooper Landing Road with a person trapped in the vehicle. Firefighters arrived to find the accident in the parking lot of the Hampshire House Apartments. A driver of an SUV was in the parking lot of a bank located on Chapel Ave, adjacent to the apartment lot. The driver came through the fence seperating the lots and ended up on top of an empty parked car.

Firefighters first stabilized both vehicles while EMTs attended to the patient. After firefighters extricated the trapped driver of the SUV, she was then loaded into an awaiting Cherry Hill Fire Department ambulance and transported to Kennedy Memorial Hospital, which luckily happened to be across the street.

Busy Day on the Highway.....

2007-12-03T17:55:00.001-05:00

Cherry Hill Firefighters and EMTs responded to a reported motor vehicle accident in the northbound lanes of Route 295, mile marker 34B, in the early afternoon of Monday, December 3rd, 2007. Dispatchers were receiving reports of a car carrier flipped over on top of other vehicles, trapped occupants and leaking fuel oils. On arrival, Firefighters encountered a flat bed trailer that had flipped over just after the off-ramp from Route 70. One car had become disengaged from the flat bed and were also on the highway. No drivers were trapped.

A small amount of fuel had spilled from the saddle tank of the flipped flat bed and had started making it's way down the embankment. The CHFD Hazardous Materials team just happened to be on the initial response and they were asked to assess the fuel leak. They oversaw controlling the leak and standing by as tow trucks uprighted the vehicles. This accident caused a several mile long back-up in the northbound lanes for several hours. Further back, firefighters that had just freed up from the first incident were called to a second accident at Route 295, under the Berlin Road overpass involving two cars. This accident was deemed minor and there were only minor injuries at both accidents which are under investigation by the NJ State Police.

CHFD EMT Recognized for 28 Years of Service

2007-11-28T17:27:00.000-05:00

At the Monday, November 26th Cherry Hill Township Council meeting, Cherry Hill Fire Department Emergency Medical Technician, Lynne Weinstein was recognized for her long service to Cherry Hill. Beginning in April 1979, Lynne became an EMT with the, since dissolved, CHEMS, or Cherry Hill Emergency Medical Service. During her tenure, Lynne served on various committees and as Board Secretary for some time. Lynne also endured, during her tenure, several organizational changes; ending with the integration of emergency medical services into the Cherry Hill Fire Department in 2003. Lynne’s involvement and support during this time made the integration smoother.

According to her colleagues, Lynne’s service as an EMT in Cherry Hill can be summed up by a single word: compassion. Lynne’s devotion as an Emergency Medical Technician was not only experienced by her patients, but also by her fellow EMTs and the emergency medical services as she took every effort to make positive changes for emergency responders. We wish Lynne well in all her future endeavors.

Cherry Hill Ladder Tower Rescues Tree Worker

2007-11-08T23:34:00.000-05:00

A Ladder Tower Truck, Rescue Truck, Ambulance and a Battalion Chief were dispatched to the 100 block of Ashford Road in the Wexford Leas section of the to to a report of a tree service worker trapped sixty feet in the air in a disabled aerial lift truck at about 11:00AM. The crew from the ladder tower quickly evaluated the situation and carefully placed their truck in the driveway of the home so that it would be able to make the rescue from the tree truck that was off the roadway in the homeowner's yard. Since the area was not large enough to set up the Ladder Tower; the Rescue company provided lumber to support the outriggers of the ladder that were not on a solid surface. The ladder tower's crew quickly raised their platform to the tree service truck bucket and safely transferred the stranded worker to the ladder tower platform and brought him down without injury.

10/30/07 Truck Snags Wires on Evesham Road - closed for hours

2007-10-31T11:39:00.000-04:00

At about 2:30 pm, a tractor trailer was coming out of an office facility's driveway on Evesham Road, just west of Springdale and snagged the overhead wires on the top of the truck's cab. The accident pulled down wires and the pole they were attached to. The driver managed to escape unharmed. There were no other vehicles involved. There were no injuries reported.

The Cherry Hill Fire Department responded as a precaution because of the wires burning and the fact that they were down on a vehicle. Voorhees and Cherry Hill Police kept Evesham Road blocked between Springdale and Berlin Roads for several hours (still at 6 pm) while PSE & G cut power to the downed wires, and restored service - during the afternoon rush hour. Several hundred public utility customers had periodic disruption in their services.

Capital Bond Update, 10/07 - Fleet Improvements

2007-10-24T14:19:00.001-04:00

Our recent success in garnering bond funds to address fleet needs is starting to take hold in genuine fashion. Plans for a new pumper, a new ladder, and two new Squrts, are in process and there are dates firming up for expected deliveries in 2008.

In early October, we found CHFD Mechanic, Keith Smith, working on the Squrt unit we will be sending to Pierce Manufacturing to be outfitted on a new chassis and with a new body. A “Squrt” is an aerial device used to direct firefighting master streams (large volume streams) on large fires. They are also very applicable in a suburban setting, like Cherry Hill, for their ability to get the streams close in to a building easily, without the need for personnel at the tip of a ladder or in a bucket. The device is operated entirely on the ground by the Driver/Operator. Also, the articulating (sections are hinged, elbow like) Squrts concept that CHFD uses, with two sections, can also be directed to work “below grade”, like in a basement window for instance. And according to Captain Parks, “is much easier to rebuild than many other aerial devices. Basically, with the exception of a few NFPA regulations, the Squrts of today are nearly identical”.

The used Squrt unit Smith was working on was purchased with this idea from the beginning. According to Captain Parks at the CHFD Motor Maintenance Shop, “We planned on using two refurbished Squrt devices, instead of two new, expensive and more heavily regulated Squrts, from the beginning”. The 54 foot, 1971 Squrt device seen was purchased via a vendor from the Colwyn Fire Co, in Delaware County, Pennsylvania for a mere $5,000. New Squrt devices can cost as much as $170,000 and can only be placed on American LaFrance fire apparatus. A refurbished Squrt only has to meet the requirements of the year it was built, and can be placed on any manufacturer’s fire apparatus allowing fire departments to shop for the best unit for their money.

The CHFD Motor Maintenance Shop will be entirely removing the Squrt device from the chassis and sending it to the Pierce Manufacturing plant in Appelton, Wisconsin to be placed on a new Pierce fire truck chassis and outfitted with a new body. Parks elaborated; “We anticipate re-building costs to be less than half that of purchasing a new Squrt apparatus”.

CHFD plans include using this refurbished Squrt, and that of their own 1987 Squrt device, also set to be refurbished, expanding their fleet to 2 Squrts, and re-utilizing them for about 15 more years. A “pre-construction trip” to Wisconsin, for discussions on all these fleet changes, is expected during the week of October 22nd, 2007. Expected delivery of the new pumper and ladder trucks is currently for late March or April of 2008, and late May or early June for the two refurbished Squrts. “Of course, these dates are subject to change”, added Captain Parks.

10-15-07 - Retired Chief Ulshafer visits CHFD

2007-10-22T18:34:00.000-04:00

Retired Fire Chief, Roger Ulshafer, and his wife Marge enjoyed a recent visit to Cherry Hill to catch up with the latest happenings within the fire department. Chief Ulshafer toured Garden State Park and the projected new fire station site. In addition, Ladder Co. 2B gave the Chief and his wife a warm welcome and tour of their new quarters. Station 2 was Chief Ulshafer's first post in Cherry Hill, a significant departure from 3rd and Spring Garden.

Later in the day, there was a visit to Fire Station 3 where Chief Ulshafer was briefed on the new Recruit Fire Academy course of instruction, background investigation process and "CHFD REAL" firefighter programs. Recruit Class 07-01 had the privilege to form up in the classroom for some words of wisdom from the 40 year fire service leader. After that, a quick stop at the CHFD Motor Maintenance Shop where Chief Ulshafer caught up with Tom, Emil and Keith. He was enthused with the Squrt refurb and remarked of the great success he experienced using the Squrt device at many extra alarm fires in Philadelphia.

10/07/07 CHFD Hazardous Materials unit responds to Camden City

2007-10-16T16:28:00.000-04:00

Cherry Hill Hazardous Materials Unit was called to Our Lady Of Lourdes Hospital to assist the Camden City Fire Department with a 125 lb Freon Cylinder that was leaking in the basement. Members of both Cherry Hill and Camden Fire Departments removed the cylinder from the basement and stopped the leak by using sidewall patches. The cylinder was then placed into the Cherry Hill Fire Departments containment vessel. The Hospital was thoroughly checked and metered to ensure that there was no threat to the patients and faculty. A small amount of product was released into the building with no threat to the hospital .

10/11/07 - Firefighters make quick work of house fire.

2007-10-15T10:47:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, October 11th at just past 3:15 in the afternoon, Cherry Hill Firefighters and EMTs responded to a reported house fire in the 1200 block of Sequoia Road. Battalion Chief 1303 was the first to arrive and reported a smoke condition in the rear of the dwelling and directed the incoming companies to go into service. Companies pulled hose lines to attack the fire which had gotten a hold of two rooms in the rear of the first floor and was quickly spreading throughout that level and up the stairs.
A thorough search for any trapped occupants proved nobody was at home during the fire. Windows were opened up to ventilate the heavy smoke condition and ladders were placed around the dwelling for use by firefighters. This fire was placed under control in about 15 minutes from the time of arrival. No injuries were reported to civilians or firefighters. A family of six has been displaced from this home indefinitely, and this fire is under investigation by the Cherry Hill Fire Marshal’s Office.

9/27/07, Technical Rescue Company 13 Responds to Building Collapse

2007-10-06T09:32:00.000-04:00

On Thursday September 27th, Cherry Hill Firefighters responded to Medford Township for a report of a vehicle into a house, with people trapped. The department's Technical Rescue Team Responded to assist Medford Township Fire Department with the rescue. Prior to the arrival of Cherry Hill Firefighters, Medford Fire Department had removed the driver of the van who was in serious condition. Once on location, Cherry Hill Firefighters were told that the owners of the house were unaccounted for and possibly trapped in the house. After assessing the structural stability of the house, it was determined that wood and heavy rescue jacks needed to be used to stabilize the house. A room to room search was conducted by Medford Township, Evesham Township, and Cherry Hill Firefighters and it was determined that no one was home at the time of the accident.

Fire & Life Safety Day - 10/7/07 1 to 4 pm, Crofft Farm

2007-10-03T11:35:00.000-04:00

It's time for Fire Prevention Week. From October 7-13, Cherry Hill Fire Department is joining forces with the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to remind local residents to 'Practice Your Escape Plan.' According to the latest NFPA research, 3,030 people died in 2005 as a result of fires in their home – that’s roughly eight people every day. Being alerted to a fire and knowing what to do to escape from one are extremely important, yet only 23% of households have planned and practiced a home fire escape plan.

Fire Prevention Week is actively supported by fire departments across the country. For 85 years, fire departments have observed Fire Prevention Week, making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record. During this year's fire safety campaign, firefighters and safety advocates will be spreading the word about the dangers of home fires and teaching local residents how to plan and practice escaping a home in case a fire occurs.

“Many times when we speak to residents who have experienced a fire in their home, they recall becoming confused and disoriented by the conditions and severity of the situation – but they realized they needed to get out fast,” said Captain Kevin E. Kenniff. "Sometimes there are only seconds to escape, but there’s no question that having a plan in place, that’s been practiced, saves precious time and makes survival more likely. We hope that Fire Prevention Week will prompt folks in our community to plan and practice their escape.”

Are you prepared for a fire? Although it’s difficult to prepare for the unexpected, reviewing the information below and taking action based on it to plan for a fire is strongly recommended… and don’t forget to practice your escape plan during Fire Prevention Week!

Install working smoke alarms on every level; and inside and outside of each sleeping area.

Develop a fire escape plan that identifies two ways out of each room and a family meeting place outside.

Make sure your plan allows for any specific needs in your household. If everyone knows what to do, everyone can get out quickly.

Practice using the plan, at least twice a year.

Some studies have shown that some children and adults may not awaken to the sound of a smoke alarm; they may need help waking up.

If the smoke alarm sounds: Go to your closest exit, and if you run into smoke, turn and use another way out. If you must exit through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit. Don’t take time to pick up belongings; just get out and help others get out. Move fast but stay calm.

Come to Croft Farm at 100 Evans Mill Road on October 7, 2007 from 1p.m. to 4p.m. for our 3rd Annual Fire and Life Safety Day. Fire, Emergency Medical, and Police units will be on hand to demonstrate equipment and speak about making your home safer. Activities include; children’s firefighter challenge, home hazard hunt, fire hose squirt, kids card program and more.

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September is National Preparedness Month

2007-09-21T13:37:00.000-04:00

The Cherry Hill Fire Department wants all residents to know that September is “National Preparedness Month”, and we applaud the effort of the Department of Homeland Security's Ready Campaign in encouraging Americans to take an active role in personal and community disaster preparedness.

National Preparedness Month is a nationwide campaign highlighting the simple steps that each of us can take to be prepared for emergencies. With a motto that inspires us to 'Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed and Get Involved' National Preparedness Month reminds us that: In a Disaster, Knowledge is Power!

The internet has a wealth of information regarding disaster preparedness. During National Preparedness Month, we ask that you visit the following websites that very completely outline simple steps any family can take to prepare for an emergency:

American Red Cross - Get Prepared

CDC - Emergency Preparedness and Response

CERT - Community Emergency Response Teams

Citizen Guide To Disaster Preparedness

DisasterHelp.gov

FEMA For Kids

Preparedness Today - What You Need To Do!

Ready.gov

ReallyReady.org

During a disaster, internet and telephone access may be disrupted. Now is the time to print important information and place a copy with your disaster supplies. In A Disaster: Knowledge Is Power!

Throughout September 2007, the CHFD encourages all to help yourself and your loved ones survive, as we remind you that helpful information is always available at our website at http://www.cherryhillfire.org/.