8-16-07 M & E Marine - 3rd Alarm Building
On Thursday August 16, 2007, at 0405 hours, Task Force 16 (Station 16-1 & Engine 15-1) was dispatched to the area of M & E Marine behind the gas station for a reported building fire. Camden County Communications reported a cab driver who was driving in the area saw smoke coming from the building. Police arrived on location and advised Central there was heavy smoke coming from the building. Chief 1601 signed on and advised all responding units not to enter the building due to its structural condition and operate in exterior operations only as planned by the Department prior to the call. The all hands was also requested. At 4:11 am Engine 1613 arrived and reported a working fire in the warehouse.Chief 1601 arrived and reported a vacant warehouse 50x75 with heavy smoke and fire showing. Engine 1613 went in operation with forcing the front door and setting up the blitz fire. Ladder 1614 and Ladder 1514 both set up for master stream operations upon arrival. At the 20 minute mark, Command reported 2 2 1/2” hand lines in operation with Ladder crews setting up. Command reported a heavy condition in the building through the roof. At the 30 minute mark the 2nd Alarm was sounded. Additional Engines were special called above the 2nd alarm as water supply was an issue due to poor water pressure in the area. Rt. 130 was shut down as supply line was layed out to the Collingswood Circle. At the 40 minute mark, Command reported 2 master streams in operation along with 2 2 ˝” hand lines with the fire continuing to spread. At the 50 minute mark, Command reported 4 master streams operating with heavy fire throughout the entire warehouse. Crews were also reporting exterior walls collapsing. Additional Engines were called for water supply.At 05:36 hours the fire was placed under control with all hands still operating with master streams.The last company took up from the job at 4:23 p.m. The building was vacant for some time prior to the fire and scheduled for demolition in the near future. The fire did not extend to the other 2 buildings located at the site. No injuries were reported on the fire ground. The fire is under investigation by the Camden County Fire Marshals Office, Collingswood Police Department and the Collingswood Fire Department.
Companies operating on location: Engines 1613, 1611, 1511, 1512, 1131, 1132, 1292, 1521, 211,521 Squad 7. Ladders 1614, 1514, 514, 114, Ladder 2, Squirt 15-1. Rescues 1615, 415, Camden County Fire Marshals, Camden County Fire Police, Camden County Canteen Units 1,2, Camden County ISAT.
