Serving Pennsauken Township Since 1913
Pennsauken Fire Department
Dateline....
Special Call to Camden for Engine 1191, April 24th
A 2nd alarm was transmitted by Deputy Chief Glassman of the Camden Fire Department at 1426 South 9th Street and Engine 1191 was dispatched along with companies from Collingswood, Gloucester and Cherry Hill for a fire in a two stroy commercial property. Engine 1191 was assigned a water supply to tower ladder 1324 and to stretch a handline in to the C exposure for extension. Members reported no extension and were additionally assigned to operate a 2 1/2 inch handline from Division 2 of the C exposure into the fire building. Engine 1191 was released from the firegound at 5:42pm. Photos courtesy of Phil Cohen and Lt. Mike OBrien.
A release of approximately 13 barrels or 660 gallons of Deisel Fuel was reported to 911 at 10:47am at the HESS Terminal on Derousse Avenue. A rupture in a 12" fuel line above ground was reported by an employee and confinement of the leak was initiated. Material had accumulated in a drainage area and entered the Delaware River. The Pennsauken Fire Department as well as the US Coast Guard, NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Camden County Health Deparment and Local, County and State OEM resources responded. Foam 11 was dispatched to deploy foam protection handlines and to position a deluge monitor due to the Class 3 material and exposure to static electricity and other ignition sources. Ladder 1194 manned the foam pumper with FF White managing foam operations and Fire Inspector Kerr acting as a liasion to the HESS Terminal Superintendent. All Pennsauken resources cleared the incident at 5:45pm with no injuries reported.
On Monday morning April 9, 2012 Lt. Robert Neary and Firefighter Daniel Sweeney of the Philadelphia Fire Department made the ultimate sacrifice, killed in the line of duty operating at an extra alarm fire in the City of Philadelphia. Lt. Neary, 60, had served the Philadelphia Fire Department for 38 years and was a Lieutenant assigned to Ladder 10; FF Sweeney, 25, a second generation Firefighter had served the Philadelphia Fire Department for 6 years and was also assigned to Ladder 10. The two men were killed when a portion of an exterior wall of a vacant warehouse collapsed onto an exposure building Ladder 10 was operating in, causing a failure of the exposure building burying four firefighters total in tons of debris and building materials. An operation that took several tedious hours to remove the four firefighters resulted in the deaths of Lt. Neary and FF Sweeney and critical injuries to the two other Firefighters who were hospitalized and are recovering.
On Friday April 13, 2012 a detail of 16 Pennsauken Fire Department personnel traveled to Northeast Philadelphia to attend funeral services for both Lt. Neary and Firefighter Sweeney. Joined by Firefighters from Montreal, Nashville, Dallas, New York, Virginia, Baltimore, Washington, DC, the Pennsauken detail participated in the formation detail for Lt. Neary as his remains arrived at the Givnish funeral home on Academy Road. Immediately following the services for Lt. Neary the members traveled to St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church on Rhawn Street to attend the viewing for Firefighter Neary also joined by fire service personnel from around the country and Canada.
Concluding this detail was a visit to Engine 7 and Ladder 10 at Kensington Avenue and Castor Avenue, the home of Lt. Neary and Firefighter Sweeney to show respect to the members of the Philadelphia Fire Department and to visit a memorial assembled for the two men. Our personnel were greeted by the Firefighters on duty, invited in to talk, share stories and to visit the memorial out front of the station.
Participating in the detail:
Fire Chief Joe Palumbo, Battalion Fire Chief Mike DiSanti, Captain Justin Squibb, Captain Eric Moyer, Lt. Michael OBrien,
Lt. Brian Ferguson, FI Bob Chester, FI Dan Kerr, FI Greg Taylor, FF Jim Ervin, FF Jon Hutton, FF Jose Rivera, FF Sergio Imbusch,
FF Joe Wittenberg, FF Mike Cairns, FF Gary Saraceni. Appreciation goes to the 15 additional members who staffed Squad 111, Engine 1132 and Ladder 115 and Battalion 11 during this period.
Traffic Accident on Route 130 South, April 4th
Companies were dispatched to the 4900 block of Route 130 Northbound at 9:14pm for a motor vehicle accident. Updated information from the fire dispatcher advised that the accident was in the area of 45th Street and Route 130 southbound and several reports included a vehicle leaving the roadway, a vehicle flipped over and possibly a vehicle falling off of the railroad overpass. Companies arrived to find a single vehicle accident with the driver being chased by police on foot. The operator of the vehicle was traveling north in the 4400 block of Chestnut Avenue which is elevated above Route 130, failing to negotiate the course of the roadway, the driver and vehicle left the road surface traveling approximately 80 feet, through a billboard on Route 130 and landing on Route 130 southbound. No motorists were traveling in the southbound lanes of Route 130 at the time the vehicle landed on it's side in the left lane.
All Hands Fire in East Pennsauken, April 1st
A 911 hang up call to Pennsauken Police resulted in the discovery of a working residential fire in the 2700 block of Powell Avenue in East Pennsauken at 1:40pm. Battalion Fire Chief Hertline was first due reporting smoke showing from a single story frame private dwelling with residents reporting a basement fire. All hands were placed into service as Squad 111 arrived making their water supply and placing a handline into service to the basement division. Ladder 115 was second due and conducted searches of the dwelling confirming no occupants, a second handline was placed into service by Engine 1132 and Utility 111. The fire was placed under control in 23 minutes with significant damaged noted to the basement and division 1. The fire is under investigation by the Pennsauken Fire Marshal, no injuries were reported and the residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross. Members on duty on April 2nd visited the neighborhood surrounding the fire to check residential smoke detectors and replace batteries or install new detectors if needed.
Working Fire in Delair, March 13th
Task Force 115 was dispatched at 1:33am to the Pepsi Bottling/Distribution facility on Route 130 North for a report fire in a building involving a forklift. A companies were marking up, the fire dispatcher advised of the receipt of the sprinkler system activation and additional 911 calls reporting a forklift on fire in the warehouse. Battalion Fire Chief Hertline first to arrive report a forklift involved in fire on the interior of the distribution warehouse and ordered companies to prepare for operation. Ladder 115 arrived first due followed by Squad 111, a water supply was established and two hand-lines were simultaneously placed into service for fire control and cooling of the LPG vessel that was exposed on by the fire. Personnel followed with ventilation, suppression system control, primary searches of the fire area and warehouse. Cascade 114 and Ladder 112 were special called for ventilation assignments. The fire was placed under control in 19 minutes with no injuries reported. The fire was investigated by the Pennsauken Fire Marshal.
Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries!
Saturday March 10th, 2012
Daylight Savings Time starts on Sunday March 11th, The Pennsauken Fire Department asks that when you change your clocks that you should also change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors! If you require assistance, please call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 665-0774 and any one of the staff will assist you.
Congratulations to Firefighter Benjamin Patti
The Officers and Members of the Pennsauken Fire Department wish to congratulate past Fire Chief Benjamin Patti on his appointment to the Camden County Sheriff's Department. Ben is an 18 year member of the Pennsauken Fire Department and a veteran of two foreign conflicts serving the United States Army in Kosovo, Iraq.
Working Fire in Delaware Gardens, March 4th
Task Force 114 was dispatched at 3:00pm for a reported second floor bedroom fire in a private residence in the 1700 block of 45th Street. Battalion Fire Chief Steidler signaled a working fire on division upon arrival and placed companies in service. Squirt 114 completed their own water supply and stretched an 1 3/4" handline while Ladder 115 placed ladders and opened up for the engine. The fire was contained to the room of origin with no injuries reported. The occupant is being assisted by the American Red Cross and the fire remains under investigation by the Pennsauken Fire Marshal and Pennsauken Police.
Motor Vehicle Accident on Route 130, February 12th
Pennsauken Police received a single 911 call for a serious motor vehicle accident on Route 130 southbound at 46th Street. Companies were dispatched at 12:55 am and EMS first to arrive reported a single vehicle accident into a wooded area with significant entrapment of the vehicle operator. Members had to clear trees and debris from around the vehicle to complete stabilization using tension butress struts and the cable winch on Utility 113. The extrication of the occupant required the roof to be removed and the dashboard to be lifted off of the victims lower extremities using hydraulic tools. Route 130 south was closed for the length of the operation. The operator was transported to a local hospital by Pennsauken EMS.
All Hands Fire in Meadowbrook, February 11th
Task Force 111 companies were dispatched at 11:45pm to the 7300 block of Wyndam Road for a 911 call reporting a fire involving a fireplace in a residential dwelling. Battalion Fire Chief Hertline first to arrive reported fire showing from the B/C corner of a two story private dwelling. The all hands signal followed as the fire extended into the attic space. Using three engines, two ladders and cascade 114 the fire was placed under control in 29 minutes. Members made quick work of the fire using two handlines with both truck companies working the interior and roof sector. No injuries to the residents or members were reported and the fire is under investigation by the Pennsauken Fire Marshal. The residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross.
All Hands Fire at Bentley Senior Living Center, January 31st
Discarded smoking materials by a resident into vegetation caused a fire that extended to a portion of the basement of the residential mid-rise of the Bentley Senior Living Center at 11:02pm. Companies were dispatched for a automatic alarm activation and Battalion Chief Hertline arrived to find fire showing from one basement window. An activated sprinkler head contained the fire as companies were developing a water supply, advancing handlines. Smoke travel from the fire was present on all six floors of the residential section and personnel were assigned to each floor and elevators to evacuate residents into the assisted living section of the building. Pennsauken EMS personnel evaluated residents exposed to smoke and assisted staff in accounting for each resident. Residents were later escorted back to each apartment by fire department personnel after smoke was venitlated and atmospheric monitoring was completed. The fire was investigated by the Pennsauken Fire Marshal.
Ladder 115 Activated, January 24th
The Pennsauken Fire Department activated Ladder 115 on Tuesday January 24th after a building improvement project and a detailed training program that incorporated a year of training sessions. Quartered at Fire Station 5, the ladder company will enhance our service delivery, efficiency and safety of our personnel. Congratulations to Captain Joe Lipka and the members of Fire Station 5 on your new mission!
Working Fire in Highland, January 11th
Multiple 911 calls were received in the afternoon of January 11th for a reported structure fire in the 5500 block of Woodland Avenue. Companies enroute reported an additional trash fire to the rear of residential properties in the 4600 block of Woodland Avenue. Witnesses reported a juvenile in the area starting fires involving disposed Christmas trees and rubbish and local and county investigators and police were notified. As a result of one of the set fires, two unattached garages were exposed on and involved in fire in the 5500 block of Woodland Avenue. Engine 1191 and Ladder 1194 were used to handle the garage fires, Engine 1142 handled the rubbish fire in the 4600 block of Woodland Avenue and Engine 1151 was redirected to a CO detector activation in district 1. The fire was investigated by the Pennsauken Fire Marshal and the Camden County Prosecutor Arson Unit. No injuries were reported.
Working Fire at Cooper River Convalescent Center, January 8th
Dispatch for an activated fire alarm at 7:01am and upgraded to a structure fire at 7:05am, Task Force 113 companies discovered a working fire in a commercial laundry room involving high capacity clothes dryers contained by an activated sprinkler head. Members worked quickly to control the sprinkler system in an effort to minimize water damage. Smoke travel compromised division 1 of the nursing unit and the facility kitchen and was evacuated by the two truck companies on location in addition to carbon monoxide monitoring. The fire is under investigation by the Pennsauken Fire Marshal, no injuries were reported.
A 2nd alarm was transmitted by Deputy Chief Glassman of the Camden Fire Department at 1426 South 9th Street and Engine 1191 was dispatched along with companies from Collingswood, Gloucester and Cherry Hill for a fire in a two stroy commercial property. Engine 1191 was assigned a water supply to tower ladder 1324 and to stretch a handline in to the C exposure for extension. Members reported no extension and were additionally assigned to operate a 2 1/2 inch handline from Division 2 of the C exposure into the fire building. Engine 1191 was released from the firegound at 5:42pm. Photos courtesy of Phil Cohen and Lt. Mike OBrien.
A release of approximately 13 barrels or 660 gallons of Deisel Fuel was reported to 911 at 10:47am at the HESS Terminal on Derousse Avenue. A rupture in a 12" fuel line above ground was reported by an employee and confinement of the leak was initiated. Material had accumulated in a drainage area and entered the Delaware River. The Pennsauken Fire Department as well as the US Coast Guard, NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Camden County Health Deparment and Local, County and State OEM resources responded. Foam 11 was dispatched to deploy foam protection handlines and to position a deluge monitor due to the Class 3 material and exposure to static electricity and other ignition sources. Ladder 1194 manned the foam pumper with FF White managing foam operations and Fire Inspector Kerr acting as a liasion to the HESS Terminal Superintendent. All Pennsauken resources cleared the incident at 5:45pm with no injuries reported.
On Monday morning April 9, 2012 Lt. Robert Neary and Firefighter Daniel Sweeney of the Philadelphia Fire Department made the ultimate sacrifice, killed in the line of duty operating at an extra alarm fire in the City of Philadelphia. Lt. Neary, 60, had served the Philadelphia Fire Department for 38 years and was a Lieutenant assigned to Ladder 10; FF Sweeney, 25, a second generation Firefighter had served the Philadelphia Fire Department for 6 years and was also assigned to Ladder 10. The two men were killed when a portion of an exterior wall of a vacant warehouse collapsed onto an exposure building Ladder 10 was operating in, causing a failure of the exposure building burying four firefighters total in tons of debris and building materials. An operation that took several tedious hours to remove the four firefighters resulted in the deaths of Lt. Neary and FF Sweeney and critical injuries to the two other Firefighters who were hospitalized and are recovering.
On Friday April 13, 2012 a detail of 16 Pennsauken Fire Department personnel traveled to Northeast Philadelphia to attend funeral services for both Lt. Neary and Firefighter Sweeney. Joined by Firefighters from Montreal, Nashville, Dallas, New York, Virginia, Baltimore, Washington, DC, the Pennsauken detail participated in the formation detail for Lt. Neary as his remains arrived at the Givnish funeral home on Academy Road. Immediately following the services for Lt. Neary the members traveled to St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church on Rhawn Street to attend the viewing for Firefighter Neary also joined by fire service personnel from around the country and Canada.
Concluding this detail was a visit to Engine 7 and Ladder 10 at Kensington Avenue and Castor Avenue, the home of Lt. Neary and Firefighter Sweeney to show respect to the members of the Philadelphia Fire Department and to visit a memorial assembled for the two men. Our personnel were greeted by the Firefighters on duty, invited in to talk, share stories and to visit the memorial out front of the station.
Participating in the detail:
Fire Chief Joe Palumbo, Battalion Fire Chief Mike DiSanti, Captain Justin Squibb, Captain Eric Moyer, Lt. Michael OBrien,
Lt. Brian Ferguson, FI Bob Chester, FI Dan Kerr, FI Greg Taylor, FF Jim Ervin, FF Jon Hutton, FF Jose Rivera, FF Sergio Imbusch,
FF Joe Wittenberg, FF Mike Cairns, FF Gary Saraceni. Appreciation goes to the 15 additional members who staffed Squad 111, Engine 1132 and Ladder 115 and Battalion 11 during this period.
Traffic Accident on Route 130 South, April 4th
Companies were dispatched to the 4900 block of Route 130 Northbound at 9:14pm for a motor vehicle accident. Updated information from the fire dispatcher advised that the accident was in the area of 45th Street and Route 130 southbound and several reports included a vehicle leaving the roadway, a vehicle flipped over and possibly a vehicle falling off of the railroad overpass. Companies arrived to find a single vehicle accident with the driver being chased by police on foot. The operator of the vehicle was traveling north in the 4400 block of Chestnut Avenue which is elevated above Route 130, failing to negotiate the course of the roadway, the driver and vehicle left the road surface traveling approximately 80 feet, through a billboard on Route 130 and landing on Route 130 southbound. No motorists were traveling in the southbound lanes of Route 130 at the time the vehicle landed on it's side in the left lane.
All Hands Fire in East Pennsauken, April 1st
A 911 hang up call to Pennsauken Police resulted in the discovery of a working residential fire in the 2700 block of Powell Avenue in East Pennsauken at 1:40pm. Battalion Fire Chief Hertline was first due reporting smoke showing from a single story frame private dwelling with residents reporting a basement fire. All hands were placed into service as Squad 111 arrived making their water supply and placing a handline into service to the basement division. Ladder 115 was second due and conducted searches of the dwelling confirming no occupants, a second handline was placed into service by Engine 1132 and Utility 111. The fire was placed under control in 23 minutes with significant damaged noted to the basement and division 1. The fire is under investigation by the Pennsauken Fire Marshal, no injuries were reported and the residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross. Members on duty on April 2nd visited the neighborhood surrounding the fire to check residential smoke detectors and replace batteries or install new detectors if needed.
Working Fire in Delair, March 13th
Task Force 115 was dispatched at 1:33am to the Pepsi Bottling/Distribution facility on Route 130 North for a report fire in a building involving a forklift. A companies were marking up, the fire dispatcher advised of the receipt of the sprinkler system activation and additional 911 calls reporting a forklift on fire in the warehouse. Battalion Fire Chief Hertline first to arrive report a forklift involved in fire on the interior of the distribution warehouse and ordered companies to prepare for operation. Ladder 115 arrived first due followed by Squad 111, a water supply was established and two hand-lines were simultaneously placed into service for fire control and cooling of the LPG vessel that was exposed on by the fire. Personnel followed with ventilation, suppression system control, primary searches of the fire area and warehouse. Cascade 114 and Ladder 112 were special called for ventilation assignments. The fire was placed under control in 19 minutes with no injuries reported. The fire was investigated by the Pennsauken Fire Marshal.
Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries!
Saturday March 10th, 2012
Daylight Savings Time starts on Sunday March 11th, The Pennsauken Fire Department asks that when you change your clocks that you should also change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors! If you require assistance, please call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 665-0774 and any one of the staff will assist you.
Congratulations to Firefighter Benjamin Patti
The Officers and Members of the Pennsauken Fire Department wish to congratulate past Fire Chief Benjamin Patti on his appointment to the Camden County Sheriff's Department. Ben is an 18 year member of the Pennsauken Fire Department and a veteran of two foreign conflicts serving the United States Army in Kosovo, Iraq.
Working Fire in Delaware Gardens, March 4th
Task Force 114 was dispatched at 3:00pm for a reported second floor bedroom fire in a private residence in the 1700 block of 45th Street. Battalion Fire Chief Steidler signaled a working fire on division upon arrival and placed companies in service. Squirt 114 completed their own water supply and stretched an 1 3/4" handline while Ladder 115 placed ladders and opened up for the engine. The fire was contained to the room of origin with no injuries reported. The occupant is being assisted by the American Red Cross and the fire remains under investigation by the Pennsauken Fire Marshal and Pennsauken Police.
Motor Vehicle Accident on Route 130, February 12th
Pennsauken Police received a single 911 call for a serious motor vehicle accident on Route 130 southbound at 46th Street. Companies were dispatched at 12:55 am and EMS first to arrive reported a single vehicle accident into a wooded area with significant entrapment of the vehicle operator. Members had to clear trees and debris from around the vehicle to complete stabilization using tension butress struts and the cable winch on Utility 113. The extrication of the occupant required the roof to be removed and the dashboard to be lifted off of the victims lower extremities using hydraulic tools. Route 130 south was closed for the length of the operation. The operator was transported to a local hospital by Pennsauken EMS.
All Hands Fire in Meadowbrook, February 11th
Task Force 111 companies were dispatched at 11:45pm to the 7300 block of Wyndam Road for a 911 call reporting a fire involving a fireplace in a residential dwelling. Battalion Fire Chief Hertline first to arrive reported fire showing from the B/C corner of a two story private dwelling. The all hands signal followed as the fire extended into the attic space. Using three engines, two ladders and cascade 114 the fire was placed under control in 29 minutes. Members made quick work of the fire using two handlines with both truck companies working the interior and roof sector. No injuries to the residents or members were reported and the fire is under investigation by the Pennsauken Fire Marshal. The residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross.
All Hands Fire at Bentley Senior Living Center, January 31st
Discarded smoking materials by a resident into vegetation caused a fire that extended to a portion of the basement of the residential mid-rise of the Bentley Senior Living Center at 11:02pm. Companies were dispatched for a automatic alarm activation and Battalion Chief Hertline arrived to find fire showing from one basement window. An activated sprinkler head contained the fire as companies were developing a water supply, advancing handlines. Smoke travel from the fire was present on all six floors of the residential section and personnel were assigned to each floor and elevators to evacuate residents into the assisted living section of the building. Pennsauken EMS personnel evaluated residents exposed to smoke and assisted staff in accounting for each resident. Residents were later escorted back to each apartment by fire department personnel after smoke was venitlated and atmospheric monitoring was completed. The fire was investigated by the Pennsauken Fire Marshal.
Ladder 115 Activated, January 24th
The Pennsauken Fire Department activated Ladder 115 on Tuesday January 24th after a building improvement project and a detailed training program that incorporated a year of training sessions. Quartered at Fire Station 5, the ladder company will enhance our service delivery, efficiency and safety of our personnel. Congratulations to Captain Joe Lipka and the members of Fire Station 5 on your new mission!
Working Fire in Highland, January 11th
Multiple 911 calls were received in the afternoon of January 11th for a reported structure fire in the 5500 block of Woodland Avenue. Companies enroute reported an additional trash fire to the rear of residential properties in the 4600 block of Woodland Avenue. Witnesses reported a juvenile in the area starting fires involving disposed Christmas trees and rubbish and local and county investigators and police were notified. As a result of one of the set fires, two unattached garages were exposed on and involved in fire in the 5500 block of Woodland Avenue. Engine 1191 and Ladder 1194 were used to handle the garage fires, Engine 1142 handled the rubbish fire in the 4600 block of Woodland Avenue and Engine 1151 was redirected to a CO detector activation in district 1. The fire was investigated by the Pennsauken Fire Marshal and the Camden County Prosecutor Arson Unit. No injuries were reported.
Working Fire at Cooper River Convalescent Center, January 8th
Dispatch for an activated fire alarm at 7:01am and upgraded to a structure fire at 7:05am, Task Force 113 companies discovered a working fire in a commercial laundry room involving high capacity clothes dryers contained by an activated sprinkler head. Members worked quickly to control the sprinkler system in an effort to minimize water damage. Smoke travel compromised division 1 of the nursing unit and the facility kitchen and was evacuated by the two truck companies on location in addition to carbon monoxide monitoring. The fire is under investigation by the Pennsauken Fire Marshal, no injuries were reported.
