A stubborn blaze ripped through a Millville
apartment house and left 13 occupants, from three families, homeless. All
were able to escape the fire without injury.
The Millville Fire Dept. (Station 30 ) was dispatched for a report of a
dwelling fire at 819-821 Archer St. on November 4, shortly before 6 p.m.
Engine 30 arrived on location to find a large, 2.5-story, wood-frame
double with fire showing in the rear, and smoke issuing from the front door
of the unit-819 half.
Engine 30's crew attacked the fire with a 2-inch line while a 4-inch
supply line was being hand-stretched to a nearby hydrant. Additional
arriving firefighters stretched another 2-inch line to assist the first
crew.
The fire spread rapidly in the old house of balloon construction, running
the walls and making its way to the attic and the multi-peaked roof. Utility
lines made aerial placement difficult. Firefighters operated additional hand
lines to the rear and the second floor in an attempt to cut off the fire.
Deputy Chief Steve Alcorn called for a second alarm which brought
Vineland (Station 2) to the scene and recalled off-duty firefighters.
Shortly thereafter, he ordered a third alarm which brought Laurel Lake
(Station 13) to the scene and Gouldtown (Station 15) to cover Millville's
station.
Firefighters battled the flames for well over an hour before bringing the
fire under control; and they spent many more hours on overhaul.
About 45 firefighters responded to the scene with five engines, two
ladders and a rescue. The Millville Rescue Squad was also on the scene.
Damage to the building was extensive, with the attic and the roof being
destroyed.
There were no reports of injuries and the cause of the fire, which began
on the first-floor rear of 819 Archer St., is under investigation.
The Vineland Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to assist the
families with food and clothing vouchers and temporary housing.
