December 9, at 10:04 a.m., the Millville Fire Department (Station
30) was dispatched to a dwelling fire at 122-24 W. McNeal St. Upon arrival,
firefighters found heavy fire and smoke showing from the 2nd floor rear on
the B side of a 3-story wood-frame double dwelling. They stretched a 2 inch
hand-line and made an interior attack on the second floor but were
temporarily driven back by the intense heat.
Seven hand-lines were eventually operated. The balloon frame construction
allowed the fire to spread rapidly throughout the second and third floors.
Chief Kurt Hess arrived on scene and, after sizing up the situation, called
for a second alarm and a recall of off-duty firefighters at 10:20. Shortly
thereafter, the third and fourth alarms were sounded.
Ladder crews opened the roof in several areas but the fire became too
intense and crews were ordered to evacuate from the interior of the building
to allow for ladder pipes and a deck gun to be put in service. The cold
gusting wind intensified the flames but firefighters were able to prevent
damage to the nearby exposures on the B and D sides.
It took over an hour to bring the blaze under control. The building
sustained heavy fire damage to the second and third floors with smoke and
water damage to the first floor. It appears to be a total loss.
Firefighters remained on the scene a little over four hours. The fire
originated in a second floor bedroom and the cause of the fire is under
investigation. Fire investigators suspect a space heater to be the source of
ignition.
Two cats were rescued from the fire and no firefighter or civilian
injuries were reported. Over 40 firefighters responded to the scene with 5
engines, 2 ladders and a rescue.
In addition to Millville, the following companies responded: Vineland
(Station 2), Gouldtown (Station 15), Laurel Lake (Station 13), Mauricetown
(Station 12), to cover Millville’s station, and Millville Rescue (Station
98).
The Cumberland County Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to the
scene and provided food and clothing vouchers and temporary lodging for the
14 displaced residents. The Salvation Army Canteen truck responded and
provided refreshments for firefighters. A nearby Fraternal Order of the
Eagles lodge opened its doors for firefighters for refreshments and warmth.
