An April 19 weekend fire that damaged the Voorhees Town Center resulted in the closing of several businesses and the temporary relocation of the township’s municipal offices at the Camden County store.
Firefighters were called to the center around 5:30 p.m., when they found it engulfed with heavy smoke, according to the Courier-Post newspaper. It began in an occupied eatery at the center’s food court, then spread to the second story and roof, according to the fire department.
The blaze also burned in spaces behind walls, floor and ceilings, making it difficult for firefighters to contain it and causing structural damage that needs to be investigated by engineers before the center can reopen completely, fire officials told the newspaper.
While some tenants such as Boscov’s and a dental practice were back in business within days after the fire, others remain shuttered. The website for the building – formerly the Echelon Mall – says: “The mall will remain closed to the public during fire cleanup.”
The county store was among Town Center businesses and offices that reopened after the fire, but only briefly. It is now at a temporary location in the Camden County Elections and Archive Center in Blackwood.
“We are happy to announce that our operations are up and running again in a new location,” announced county Clerk Joe Ripa. “The public is now welcome to resume making appointments and calling the store.”
The store’s essential services include issuance of passports and licenses, a notary and access to public documents. Store hours by appointment only are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to make appointments by calling the store directly at (856) 566–2920 for questions or services.
