12-24-05 - Rt. 45 MVA Rescue Assingment

On Saturday, December 24, 2005, at 0311 hours, the Blackwood Fire Company (Rescue 84), the Chews Landing Fire Company (Rescue 82), the Blenheim Fire Company (Engine 83), the Deptford Fire Department (Rescue 93) the Gloucester Township Emergency Medical Alliance (Squad 805 & 806), the Virtua Health Systems Mobile Intensive Care Unit (Medic 41), along with the New Jersey State Police were dispatched to New Jersey State Highway 42 (N.J.S.H. #42) in the area of mile post 8, southbound, for a reported motor vehicle crash.  Initial reports provided by the Camden County Communications Center indicated they had received reports of a three vehicle crash in which one of the vehicles had overturned and that the occupants were entrapped.  Upon the arrival of Chief John Vannoni (8401), it was determined that only one person was possibly entrapped; with the sole occupants from both of the other involved vehicles, including the overturned vehicle, denying injury. Initially, E.M.S. personnel made patient access through the passenger side door of the automobile containing the one possibly trapped person and initially planned on removing him through the same door.  After examining the situation more closely it was determined that removal of the driver’s door would be necessary to accommodate proper patient stabilization and packaging prior to removal from the vehicle.  The crew from R-846, along with personnel from R-826, made quick work of removing this door.  Crews from Engine 832 and 842 provided fire protection during the extrication.  The operation was completed by 0339 with all companies cleared from the scene at 0411 hours. The cause of this crash is being investigated by the NJ State Police, Bellmawr Barracks.

12-07-05 3 Blue Jay Dr. - All Hands Dwelling Fire

 Fire units were dispatched for a report of a dwelling fire.First-arriving units found heavy fire conditions on the first and second floor. Medics were added to the box for the unknown status of the occupants (but later were all accounted for). Crews went into a defensive mode early in the job; and one firefighter was transported to the hospital well into the job for undisclosed injuries. The cause of the blaze is under investigation by the Camden County Fire Marshal's Office.

11-06-05 Hamilton Ave -  Building Collapse

Blackwood Station 84 were dispatched for a structural collapse on Hamilton Ave. Crews arrived to find a 2nd floor porch had collapsed with 4 people on it at the time. Mutual Aid BLS and ALS were added to the call. All 4 pt.'s were transported to local hospitals.

10-27-05 - Sports Complex- Vehicle Fire ( Story and photos by Chief Vannoni)

On October 27, 2005, at 1039 hours, Lakeland Fire Department (Engine 2811) requested assistance at a vehicle fire in an open field to the rear of the Gloucester Township sports complex on Woodbury Turnersville Road.  This request brought Blackwood Fire Company (Engine 841) and Chews Landing Fire Company (Power Wagon 825) to the scene.  Upon the arrival of Deputy Chief Fire Marshal Paul Sandrock, members of the Camden County Fire Marshal’s Office, who had responded to the scene and Engine 841’s crew, were assigned to assist the operator of Engine 2811 in deploying a handline to extinguish the fire.  The fire was quickly extinguished with the one 1 3/4 inch handline.  The companies cleared at 1112 hours.

09-29-05 Rt. 42 - Vehicle Fire (submitted by Chief Vannoni)

On Thursday, September 29, 2005, at 1433 hours, the Blackwood Fire Company (Engine 84), the Chews Landing Fire Company (Engine 82), and the Blenheim Fire Company (Engine 83), along with the New Jersey State Police were dispatched to New Jersey State Highway 42 (N.J.S.H. #42) in the area of exit 8 northbound for a reported vehicle fire.  Reports provided by the Camden County Communications Center after the apparatus began responding indicated they had received reports of a bus on fire along the northbound shoulder near exit 8.  Upon the arrival of Chief John Vannoni (8401), a New Jersey Transit bus, with fire showing from the area of the passenger side rear windows, was observed.  Due to a lack of water supply along the highway, additional engine companies from Lambs Terrace Fire Company (Engine 85), Gloucester County Washington Township (Engine 10-1) and Deptford Fire Department (Engine 9-3) were requested to initiate a water shuttle operation.  With the assistance of two engine companies (E-821 and E-866), Chief Joe Reichert (8201) was assigned to establish a continuous water supply from hydrants located off the highway but accessible through a parking lot adjacent to the incident.  R-826 arrived on location first at 1443 hours and was assigned to make the initial attack.  Engine 841 arrived approximately 30 seconds later and was assigned to supply 826 and assist in the deployment of a back-up line for fire suppression.  The fire was knocked down and brought under control through the use of the tank water brought onto the highway.  The water supply operation was terminated just prior to the lines being charged.  The bus was occupied by only the driver at the time of the fire.  No injuries were sustained as a result of this incident.  The cause of this fire is being investigated by local and county fire marshals and Transport of New Jersey safety personnel.  Companies cleared the scene at 1545 hours.

09-13-05 43 Church St.- All Hands Building Fire

 Gloucester Township units were alerted to a report of a building fire at 43 Church Street shortly before 9 a.m., on Tuesday, September 13, 2005.
Crews arrived to find a two-and-a-half-story, wood-frame, office building with smoke showing. Crews stretched an inch-and-three-quarter handline to the rear, and a two-and-a-half-inch handline to the front.
Crews discovered a fire condition in the attic. Command struck the all hands. Fire was contained to the attic area.
No injuries were reported. The cause of the blaze is under investigation by the Camden County Fire Marshal's Office.

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02-09-05 Rt. 42 - Rescue (submitted by Gloucester Twp)

On February 9, 2005 , at 1111 hours, Engine 841 was special called into the scene of a motor vehicle crash on New Jersey Route 42 in the area of mile post 6.5 southbound.  Engine 841 was assigned the task of establishing a helicopter landing zone for Medivac 5.  One patient was transported by air from the scene.  Chews Landing (Station 82) and Lambs Terrace (Station 85) Fire Companies had been dispatched approximately 25 minutes earlier than Engine 841 to a reported vehicle fire.  It was later discovered that the incident was in fact a crash involving a tour bus and an automobile.  Personnel from Stations 82 and 85 performed the extrication of the one patient that was flown from the scene.

02-19-05 Lake Ave - M.V.A. Rescue

(submitted by Chief Vannoni)

On Saturday, February 19, 2005, at 0133 hours, Blackwood Fire Company Chief John Vannoni (8401) was awoken from a sound sleep by the loud crash created by a vehicle striking the tree outside of his residence.  An initial survey, conducted from inside of his residence, indicated that one vehicle had stuck a tree and overturned; and that none of the occupants appeared to be exiting the vehicle.  Chief Vannoni immediately contacted the Camden County Communications center and requested a rescue assignment be dispatched and that the Gloucester Township Police Department be notified.  Blackwood Fire Company (Rescue 84), Gloucester Township EMS Alliance (Squad 806), and Virtua Health Care Mobile Intensive Care Unit (Medic 44) were dispatched at 0134 hours.  Upon arriving at the vehicle, Chief Vannoni made patient access through the driver's side door and discovered the driver to be the sole occupant; he was unconscious but did present a pulse and respirations.  At 0137 hours, Rescue 846 arrived on location and began to stabilize the vehicle.  A helicopter (New Jersey State Police aero medical Unit Southstar) was requested to fly based on the Chief's initial assessment.  Engine 841 arrived at 0142 hours and provided fire protection and assisted the initial crew of R-846 in the extrication.  Chews Landing Fire Company (Engine 82) was special called to establish a landing zone for Southstar.  Engine 842 was also assigned to this task. The patient was extricated, packaged and turned over to EMS at 0151 hours just 17 minutes from the time of dispatch.   Paramedics with Medic 44 determined they would not need to fly the patient and Southstar was recalled as it approached the landing zone.  The patient was transported by ground to Cooper Trauma Center in Camden where, according to information provided by police, he was treated for minor injuries.  With the exception of R-846, the companies were made available at 0222 hours.  R-846 remained on location to provide lighting for the Gloucester Township Police Department, who conducted the investigation into this crash. 

03-05-05 67 Argyle Rd. - Dwelling (Submitted by Chief Vannoni)

At 0817 on Saturday, March 5, Stations 84 (Blackwood) and 83 (Blenheim) as well as Squad 805 and Camden County ISAT team, were dispatched to the area of Argyle Avenue and Fraser Road for a dwelling fire.  County Communications advised 8401 that they were receiving multiple calls reporting fire from the roof across from 73 Argyle.  With that report, 8401 requested the entire assignment be re-dispatched as "All Hands Operating" which notifies utility companies as well as covers the station.  8401 arrived at 0820 to find medium fire showing along the "D" exterior wall.  The occupant was met with and confirmed all occupants had been accounted for and removed from the residence.  E-842 arrived first due, dropped a supply line and made the initial attack from the exterior with the 1 3/4" bumper line.  The fire was placed under control at 0833.  TL-844 search made entry and with the assistance of County Fire Marshals 4 &16, stretched the 200' 1 3/4" line to check for extension into the residence.  Minor extension was evident on floor #1 and was controlled with a water can.  TL-844 main was elevated to overhaul and check for extension into the void space above the #2 floor.  The assignment was held to Station 84 and later went available at 1056.

03-05-05 Little Gloucester Rd. - M.V.A.

On Saturday, March 5, at 0305, Engine 84 was dispatched to Little Gloucester Road in front of the Cherrywood Apartments for a motor vehicle crash.  Initial reports given to 8401 (Chief John Vannoni) indicated a vehicle had struck a utility pole with wires down and that the occupant of the vehicle had left the scene on foot.  Upon arrival of 8401 at 0311, he confirmed a single vehicle crash car vs. pole with telephone wires down.  E-842 arrived at 0312 and were directed to disconnect the vehicles battery.  The occupant was later located in a bystander vehicle.  The driver stated after she struck the utility pole a passerby stopped and allowed her to sit in the vehicle to get out of the cold.  The occupant denied any injury.  The company went available at 0327.

03-25-05 1350 Little Gloucester Rd. - All Hands Building Fire

(Submitted by Chief Vannoni)

On Friday, March 25, 2005, at 2300 hours, the Blackwood Fire Company (Station 84), the Chews Landing Fire Company (Station 82) and the Gloucester Township Emergency Medical Alliance (Squad 805) were dispatched to #1350 Little Gloucester Road, the Squeaky Clean Car Wash, for a reported building fire.  Upon the arrival of Chief Vannoni (8401) at 2308 hours, medium smoke was emanating from the roof area of the building.  Engine 842 arrived first; dropping a five inch supply line as they took a position on the “C” side of the building.  Tower Ladder 844 arrived second and initiated forcible entry on the metal roll down gate that covered the door to the mechanical/storage room where the fire appeared to be located.  Engine 821 was assigned to supply E-842 from the hydrant they had laid in from.  A 1 ¾” pre-connected handline had been deployed from E-842 and was at the ready as the metal entry door was forced by the truck crew. This line quickly controlled the fire once access was gained through the two metal doors that were in place.  Upon the arrival of R-846 the crew was assigned to assist the truck company and establish portable lighting.  Engine 841 arrived and prepared a water supply for TL-844.  The fire was place under control at 2320 hours.  The cause and origin is being investigated by the local and county fire marshal’s offices.  Crews stood by until 0049 hours while FM-84 and CFM-10 conducted the investigation.  No injuries were sustained as a result of this operation.

04-20-05 Fountanview Village- 3rd alarm Building Fire

A box assignment went out in Gloucester Township, (Blackwood Local), for a building fire at Fountanview Village, Building 'B', on 20 April, 2005.
Originally, reports were that 2 tenets complained of smoke coming from their electrical outlets. EMS arrived on location to find moderate smoke in the apartment. Command arrived with nothing showing from a 4-story, 50 by 150, garden style apartment complex.
Engine 8-4 arrived and found fire in the walls. Command struck the all hands and shorty thereafter the 2nd alarm. Crews continued to open walls to find the fire spreading. Shortly into the job, crews encountered heavy fire conditions on the 3rd floor.
Around the 40 minute mark fire was through the roof and command ordered all crews out of the building. Master stream operations were set up to surround the complex. Three Tower Ladders were put into service, as well as 4 two-and-a-half inch lines.
One firefighter injury occured. The cause of the blaze is being investigated by the Camden County Fire Marshal.

07-07-05 Douglas Ave - Erial Rd. - M.V.A. Rescue

(submitted by Chief Vannoni)

Rescue 84, Squad 805 and Medic 46 were dispatched at 1233 hrs to Erial Rd at Glamis.  Rescue 846 arrived at 1242 hrs to find an overturned vehicle with the driver trapped.  Medic 46 and Squad 8-5 were on location and providing patient care. Rescue 82 was also requested while enroute due to a report of multiple victims, which later proved false.  The Rescue crew began stabilizing the vehicle using the Paratech struts and cribbing.  Engines 841 and 842 arrived and assisted getting the tools into service and providing hazard control.  Once stabilized, the passenger door was removed and the crew assisted EMS personnel in extricating the victim.  Extrication was completed just 6 minutes after arrival at 1248 hrs.

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07-07-05 Blenheim- Dougles Ave's M.V.A Rescue (submitted by Chief Vannoni)

On Tuesday, June 7, 2005, at 7:10 a.m., the Blackwood Fire Company (Rescue 84) the Gloucester Township Emergency Medical Alliance (Squad 806), the Virtua Health Systems Mobile Intensive Care Unit (Medic 46), along with the Gloucester Township Police were dispatched to the intersection of Erial Blenheim Road and Douglas Avenue, for a for a reported motor vehicle crash, with entrapment.  The victim was rescued from the vehicle at 7:26 a.m. and was transported by ambulance to an area hospital.   The cause of the crash is being investigated by the Gloucester Township Police Department. 

08-16-05 Church St. - Vehicle Fire (Submitted by Chief Vannoni)

On August 16, 2005, at 1056 hours, a Gloucester Township Police Officer notified his communication center that he had discovered a vehicle fire on Church Street at the New Jersey State Highway #42 off ramp.  Blackwood Fire Company (Engine 84) was dispatched at 1056 hours.  Upon the arrival of Chief John Vannoni (8401) an automobile heavily involved in fire, was observed.  The Gloucester Township Police Department had controlled traffic in a fashion which provided a safe work zone for the arriving fire department to work within.  Engine 841 arrived on location at 1057 hours and the fire was quickly extinguished with one 1 ¾” handline.  The company cleared and became available at 1129 hours.  No injuries were sustained as a result of this incident.   The cause of the fire appeared to be accidental.

11-11-04 Lakewood Apartments 2 alarm Building Fire

 Around 9:00 a.m. the box was filled for an apt. fire at Lakewood Apts in Gloucester Twp. Chews Landing Chief Joe Reichart arrived on location first to find a 2 story garden style apt with heavy fire showing. The 2nd alarm was transmitted. Gloucester Twp crews along with Runnemede, Hi Nella, Magnolia and special call to Lindenwold. Several master streams were set in place. Crews stopped the blaze from spreading to adjoining apts. The fire was placed under control around the 30 min mark. No injuries. Camden County Fire Marshals are investigating the blaze at the present time.