At approximately 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 14, Haddon Fire Company №1 along with Haddonfield Task Force 14, including Haddon Heights and Cherry Hill Fire Departments, responded to a reported dwelling fire, possibly related to some type of an explosion at a home in the 100 block of Upland Way, Haddonfield.
Upon arrival, there was a heavy smoke condition on the exterior of the two-story, single-family residence at 180 Upland Way. Upon entry into the dwelling, firefighter crews encountered a heavy black smoke condition on the first floor, second floor and in the basement. Utilizing thermal imaging cameras, firefighters were able to locate the fire in the living room walls and in the basement in the area of the heating unit.
In addition, the fire travelled above the known locations to the second floor bedroom areas. The fire was extinguished utilizing water and foam from Haddonfield’s compressed air foam system. Due to the extensive fire damage in the basement, the floors on the first floor were compromised.
The owners of the home and their teenage son were at the home at the time of the call, and they all safely evacuated without injury.
Further assistance on the scene was provided by Westmont Fire Company, the Camden County Communications Center, Barrington Fire Company, Haddonfield Emergency Management and Cherry Hill’s Rehab Unit. Haddonfield Police Department assisted with traffic and crowd control, and also helped coordinate with the Public Works Department in providing salt in around the fire to help with ice and snow conditions.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Haddonfield Fire Official and Camden County Fire Officials with assistance from representatives from PSE&G Utility Company.