The early-morning quiet of summer was shattered when fire gutted a pair of residences on Walnut Street near Lincoln Avenue, injuring a young girl and an adult. Flames broke out in a two-story home located at 47 Walnut St. just before dawn on Wednesday, Aug. 7, eventually spreading to an adjacent home.
Haddon Fire Company No. 1 issued an updated statement about the incident through its Facebook page one day later:
“At approximately 5:07 a.m., Task Force 14 (comprised of Haddon Fire Company No.1, Haddon Heights Fire Department, Cherry Hill Fire Department and Westmont Fire Department) responded to a report of a dwelling fire in the area of Walnut Street and Lincoln Avenue. The fire was subsequently identified to be at 45-47 Walnut St., a twin, two and a half-story residence.
“Firefighting crews encountered heavy smoke and fire conditions inside both residences. A second alarm was struck for additional manpower. The crews extinguished the bulk of the fire on the first and second floors, however the fire had traveled and extended to the third-floor attic area. After confirming that all occupants were out of both residences, the operation transition into a defensive mode, and shortly thereafter the roof began to collapse. The fire resulted in two injuries to occupants.”
Haddon Fire Chief Sam Trotman also revealed to The Sun in an email exchange that both properties involved in the fire, at 45 and 47 Walnut St., have been rendered uninhabitable. In addition, he stated the two residents from 47 Walnut St. who were injured as a result of the fire have been treated and released from the hospital.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Camden County Fire Marshal’s Office and the state Fire Marshal’s Office.
