Working fire in Pennsauken, NJ

Photo by FRANK SAIAPennsauken and Cherry Hill firefighters work to stretch lines and perform vertical ventilation at this all hands fire at 5525 Magnolia Avenue, Pennsauken, NJ on May 6, 2025.

Photo by FRANK SAIAPennsauken FF Zach Irwin and FF Kyle Borger work to make the roof cut at this working fire at 5525 Magnolia Avenue, Pennsauken, NJ on May 6, 2025.

Photo by FRANK SAIAPennsauken Fire Chief Joh Hutton monitors the fireground at this working fire at 5525 Magnolia Avenue, Pennsauken, NJ on May 6, 2025.

Photo by FRANK SAIACherry Hill and Merchantville ladder companies work to ventilate the roof at 5525 Magnolia Avenue, Pennsauken, NJ on May 6, 2025.

Photo by FRANK SAIAPennsauken FF Mark Mohlin checks on the well being of the exotic bird that was safely removed from the fire at 5525 Magnolia Avenue, Pennsauken, NJ on May 6, 2025.
At 10:51 on May 6, 2025, a Pennsauken Fire Department Task Force box was struck for the report of a dwelling fire at 5525 Magnolia Avenue. Pennsauken Engine Company 1132 was first to arrive, whose quarters are located just a few blocks away, got a quick jump on the fire and reported heavy smoke showing from a one story, single family, frame dwelling. Pennsauken Battalion 11, Norm Figueroa, arrived shortly after and transmitted the working fire signal which brought in an additional engine and truck. Engine 1132 hooked to the nearby hydrant and stretched a 1 3/4” handline for the interior attack where they experienced Collyer’s Mansion conditions. Cherry Hill and Collingswood engine companies stretched and operated additional handlines to support the interior attack. The fire was able to quickly make its way to the attic area, so Battalion 11 ordered crews to the roof to perform vertical ventilation to halt the horizontal spread of fire. Pennsauken, Merchantville, and Cherry Hill crews went to the roof and cut several holes. An exotic bird in its cage was safely removed, but otherwise, primary and secondary searches were negative. Haddonfield and Westmont fire departments covered for the committed companies. Overhaul was performed and the fire was placed under control at 11:16. The fire is under investigation by the Pennsauken Fire Marshal’s Office.