A National Park NJ ( Gloucester County ) couple barely escaped with their lives when a fast moving fire engulfed their home on October 25th. Shortly after noon Gloucester County NJ 911 Center was receiving numerous calls for a working house fire at the corner of 3rd and New Jersey Avenue.
A Multi-District Task Force assignment was dispatched an the National Park, Woodbury and Westville Fire Companies. The first officer on the scene was Unit 701, Westville Chief Chuck Murtaugh reported that he had a one and a half story, wood frame dwelling heavily involved and would be using all hands and to dispatch a Fast Team assignment from Gloucester City ( Camden County ).
National Park Engine 811 was first in on location dropping a supply line from the hydrant that was a half of a block down the street, and preceded to the front of the building. They went into Service with a Blitz Gun attack with their Deck Gun. Westville and Woodbury Units were hooking up and going into Service with hand lines.
Special Calls were placed for additional Fire Units from Gloucester County and Camden County. The home owners, one who was sleeping in a hospital bed on the first floor and her husband who was on the second floor were able to escape the smoke and fire filled dwelling minutes before the fire had engulfed the entire structure.
Over sixty fire fighters battled the blaze for over an hour with an exterior attack before the fire was placed Under Control. The fire is under investigation by the Gloucester County Fire Marshal's office.
