On July 20, a dwelling fire box was dispatched in Westmont NJ, at 205 Emerald Ave at 7:07 p.m.
Camden County Communications notified responding units they were receiving multiple calls for a house on fire. Assistant Chief Vitelli reported from several blocks away heavy smoke in the area transmitting the all hands.
Upon arrival he reported heavy fire conditions on the second floor of a twp-and-a-half- story wood frame twin house.
Engine 1512's crew took a hand line on the second floor. Personnel on Squirt 15-1 secured a water supply for 1512, and placed a hand line in operation in the exposure. Ladder 15-1's crew placed ground ladders, and performed ventilation operations.
Interior crews reported heavy fire conditions on the second floor of the original fire building with extension in to the attic of the exposure and heavy smoke throughout.
All occupants were out of the dwellings and accounted for. One dog was also removed from the dwelling unharmed.
At the 10 minute mark, command ordered the evacuation tones to bring all firefighters out of the building and set up for defensive operations as conditions worsened. The second alarm was sounded.
At the 20 minute mark, command reported companies were in operations with a hand lines as well as the ladder pipe.
Companies remained in defensive operations as the fire was brought under control in an hour.
Companies from Collingswood, Oaklyn, Audubon and Cherry Hill assisted Westmont firefighters bring the blaze under control.
No firefighter injuries were reported on the fire ground. Westmont units remained on location hitting hot spots till midnight.
The Camden County Fire Marshals Office and Westmont Fire Company have the fire under investigation.
