Smoke Detectors Credited with saving Bellmawr Family
Friday, January 16, 2009
Press release
Last night at 1:00am The Bellmawr Fire Department, Task Force 32, was dispatched
to 24 Apple Ave for a reported house fire. The First arriving crews had visible fire in walls running along side both sides of the brick chimney for the fireplace. Crews opened up the wall outside and inside and used a 1 ¾ waterline to quickly knock down the bulk of the fire. There were cracks within the fire box which allowed the heat from the fireplace to enter the wall cavity and ignite the structural members. SEE PHOTOS
Chief Jim Burleigh credited smoke detectors for providing early warning and the crews that did an outstanding job all while enduring the freezing temperatures.
Mutual aid from Runnemede, Barrington and Mt Ephraim Fire Departments assisted at the scene.
This fire occurred during the overnight hours when statistics show you are more likely to die from a fire. “The home was equipped with working smoke detectors that operated properly providing early warning to the occupants, there is no doubt another tragedy was adverted, stated Chief Burleigh. Bellmawr’s last fatal fire was last August, were an 87 year old female perished in home that did not have working smoking detectors. The occupants’ from overnight, two adults and two infants were all sleeping when they were alerted by the smoke detectors and were able to safely escape.
The Bellmawr Fire Department wants to remind all residents that they provide FREE smoke detectors and batteries. You can obtain them by calling the Borough Hall at 856-933-1313 and leaving your information.
Check Your Detector Today!
