On August 3, 2006, at approximately 10am, Burlington City Firefighters were alerted to 824 Columbus Road for a reported dwelling fire.
Shortly after Burlington County Communications added a Paramedic unit for reported victims trapped. First due units arrived to find a 3 story duplex with heavy fire showing from the original dwelling on the 1st and 2nd floor and requested all companies in service.
Command arrived and requested the 2nd alarm for additional manpower. Companies found heavy fire in the dwelling with extension into the exposure as well. Companies attempted to make access to find possible victims trapped but due to the extreme conditions and heat in the dwelling, companies could not make access. It was reported that a resident was transported for smoke inhalation, but this could not be confirmed.
Command requested numerous additional RIT companies and more manpower brining the fire to a 5th alarm plus by the height of the incident. Multiple EMS agencies were also on scene to assist in firefighter rehab due to the extreme heat and humidity.
It was reported to be at around 1230Hrs 110 degrees on the fireground. All crews were pulled out of the dwellings at one point due to the structure being unstable; all firefighters were accounted for when this occurred.
It was reported that 2 occupants have been found in the structure but they did not survive the fire. Burlington County FM, Burlington City PD, and Burlington City FM are on location investigating the cause of this tragic fire. One firefighter was taken to a local hospital for treatment, and his condition is reported to be very good.
The fire was placed under control at approximately 2pm.
