Dogs die in Cedarville fire

LAWRENCE – Two dogs died in a house fire Friday afternoon that destroyed their owners’ one-story rancher at 596 Main St. in the township’s Cedarville area, according to the Cedarville Fire Company.

The owners, a husband and wife, were not home at the time of the blaze, and other than to the pets there were no reported injuries, according to First Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Scarlato.

Scarlato said firefighters were dispatched at 12:23 p.m. and it took almost an hour to bring the fire under control. Difficulties included an initial manpower shortage, not unexpected given the day and time, as well as cold temperatures and winds, he said.

“First person was on scene within three minutes and had heavy smoke,” Scarlato said. “From within a minute of his arrival, fire was out the front and rear in the middle of the house.”

Scarlato said the area lacks fire hydrants, so water was brought in from the Newport Fire Company’s station. Firefighters stayed outside the house initially but entered after added manpower arrived, he said.

The fire drew units from Fairton Fire Company, Downe Township Fire and Rescue, Bridgeton Fire Department, Rosenhayn Fire Co., Millville Fire Department, Gouldtown Fire Co. and Dividing Creek Fire Co.

The Cumberland County fire marshal’s office is investigating and no cause has been determined.

American Red Cross disaster response case workers met with the husband and wife, who were provided emergency assistance including temporary lodging. Referrals to other human service organizations were also provided to further assist with the family's recovery efforts.

Joseph P. Smith; (856) 563-5252; jsmith@gannettnj.com