Fire Crews Respond to Structure Fire During Santa Detail in Egg Harbor Township
Photo by Cardiff Volunteer Fire CompanyFirefighters operate on the roof of a single-story home on Martin Luther King Avenue as smoke vents from the structure during suppression efforts.
Photo by Cardiff Volunteer Fire CompanyFirefighters from Cardiff and Bargaintown confer with one another at the scene, with Santa still present as crews transitioned from holiday detail to emergency response.
Photo by Cardiff Volunteer Fire CompanyCrews work to access and ventilate the residence while checking for fire extension following knockdown.
Photo by Cardiff Volunteer Fire CompanyCardiff Tower 15, Rescue 1517, and additional apparatus line Martin Luther King Avenue as mutual aid companies assist with the response.
On Friday, December 13, 2025, at approximately 11:36 a.m., members of the Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company and Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company were dispatched to the 300 block of Martin Luther King Avenue in Egg Harbor Township for a reported structure fire. At the time of dispatch, both companies were already operating in their communities as part of a scheduled holiday “Santa Detail,” bringing seasonal cheer to local neighborhoods.
Engine 1512, Rescue 1517, and Tower 15 responded from Cardiff with personnel, while additional apparatus from Bargaintown and an engine from Northfield City Fire Department were also dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy smoke showing from the rear roof area of a single-story residence. Firefighters quickly established command, advanced handlines, and began suppression operations. Crews successfully extinguished the fire, conducted checks for extension throughout the structure, and ventilated the residence to clear smoke and heat.
No injuries were reported as a result of the incident. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Egg Harbor Township Fire Investigations Bureau. Command of the incident was held by Cardiff Fire Chief Bill Danz III. Despite the interruption to holiday activities, firefighters were able to return to their Santa Detail operations after the scene was secured, underscoring their commitment to both emergency response and community engagement.
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