North Vineland Dwelling Fire

VINELAND, NJ -- A fire destroyed a mobile home and took the life of a woman, in her 50's, despite the valiant efforts of firefighters to rescue her.

On January 25, at 4:52 pm, Stations 3 and 6 were dispatched to a dwelling fire, reported to be "working" with entrapment, at 1967 N. East Ave., at the Cedarcrest Mobile Home Park. Department Chief Robert Pagnini and Engine 61 were first to arrive on the scene and found a mobile home with heavy smoke showing throughout and heavy fire from the front window on the B side.

While en route, Station 3 Chief Ray Castagnoli, anticipating a water supply problem because of the sparse amount of hydrants in the park, ordered a second alarm. Station 4 responded however, there was a nearby hydrant and water supply did not become an issue.

Initial reports were that the occupant was probably located in a rear bedroom. Acting Captain Lou Tramontana and firefighters Dave Bell and John Shaw stretched a 1 3⁄4 inch line to the rear door on the D side.

They fought their way through heavy heat and smoke searching for the woman but could not find her in the bedroom.

Their search then moved toward the front of the dwelling and, as they battled heavy smoke and flames, they found the victim in the center area of the dwelling but it was too late to save her.

Other firefighters backed-up the interior crew with another 1 3⁄4 inch line as the fire had taken a firm hold of the front half of the dwelling.

The victim was removed and a 2 1⁄2 inch line was placed into service after the interior crew was clear.

The fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes but the dwelling was destroyed. The cause of the fire is under investigation by local and state officials.

Thirty-eight firefighters responded with 4 engines and a ladder. One firefighter sustained a minor injury.

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• Fire
• Dwelling
• Vineland
• Trailer