At approximately 10:38 p.m. Sunday evening, Haddon Fire Company №1 and Task Force 14–1 were dispatched to a reported dwelling fire at 264 Jefferson Avenue in Haddonfield, according to a press release from the fire department.
The home was a single family 2 story frame construction detached dwelling, occupied by a family with 3 young children. Upon arrival, the homeowner advised that all family members were safely evacuated. He further indicated that the fire was in the basement of the home.
There was a heavy smoke condition in the front of the building and fire was visible from the basement windows. Firefighters from Haddonfield, Haddon Heights and Cherry Hill Fire Departments made entry into the home and extinguished the fire utilizing Haddonfields new CAFS (compressed air foam system). There was fire damage to the entire basement and the 1st floor walls. There also was significant smoke damage to the entire home. The home had several “working” smoke detectors and Fire Department officials credited the homeowner for prompt notification to the Fire Department via 9–1–1.
The actions of the homeowners to quickly evacuate the home with all of their children (all children were sleeping at the time of the incident) was of critical importance, the department reported.
Twenty four volunteer firefighters from Haddonfield responded to the emergency call. Assistance was provided by Westmont FireCompany, and Cherry Hill Fire Department Cascade and Rehab services. During the incident, Barrington, Runnemede and Pennsauken Fire Departments had Firefighters stand-by in Haddonfields Station to provide coverage for the rest of the community. The Camden County ISAT team provided additional command support.
The cause of the fire, which appears to be related to an appliance in the basement, is under investigation by the Camden County Fire Marshal’s Office.
