Shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Friday the 13th of October during Fire Prevention Week Paulsboro NJ Fire Department ( Gloucester County ) were dispatched to 12 W. Jefferson Street for a report of a dwelling fire.
The first due Units 1701, Chief Gary Stevenson reported that he had a large 2 1/2 story frame occupied dwelling that was heavily involved. He instructed Gloucester County Fire Radio to strike the 2nd alarm.
Firefighters made an aggressive interior attack but the fire was always one step ahead of them. As fast as they could pull the ceilings and beat the fire down it seemed to break out again.
It took almost one hour and a 3rd alarm before the blaze was placed Under Control.
Assisting Paulsboro were Gibbstown, East Greenwich Twp., Thorofare, Woodbury, Westville Fire Departments.