Shortly before 3:30 a.m. on November 30, 2002, Camden NJ Fire Fighters were dispatched to a dwelling fire on the 1100 Block of N. 35th Street in the Cramer Hill, East Camden section of the City. Initial Police report was that the house was fire bombed and people were trapped.
As Engine Co. 9 and Batt. Chief 2, (Jim Alexander ) turned onto N. 35th Street they saw a huge column of fire. Batt. Chief Alexander immediately requested a 2nd alarm and seconds later requested a 3rd alarm.
The fire initially started in a large two story frame dwelling which was now completely collapsed before the fire fighters could get off of the apparatus.
The fire has spread to an adjoining large two story dwelling and had spread to a large two story L shaped apartment complex, 40 x 500. The fire had spread to the roof area of ten units of one section of the apartment complex. Also attached at the end of the complex were two, two story townhouses. All of the Units were now heavily involved through the roof and the second floor of the ten units.
An interior attack was immediately made to try to save the other ten apartment units of the L shaped section.
Engine Companies and Ladder Companies along with Rescue 1 were inside the apartment unit pulling ceilings while the Truck Companies were making a large trench cut in the roof. Through this method half of the apartment complex was saved.
Car 2, Deputy Chief Tom Quinn was now on the scene and ordered the 4th and 5th alarms. Car 1, Chief of the Department Joseph Marini ordered the 6th alarm.
Companies were forced to lay large 5 inch hose from large mains that were three blocks away to the fire ground.
Five Ladder Companies were now in Service with Ladder Pipes working and numerous hand lines. The one exposure home was also saved but received extensive damage.
Firefighters found a large Christmas tree still standing in the front of the original fire building which was completely collapsed into the basement.
Due to the suspicious nature of the fire it is under investigation by the city Fire Marshal's Office along with Assistants from the County, State and ATF Agency. Over 21 families were homeless from this tragic holiday season fire.
