08/31/2026
At approximately 0100 hours on Monday, August 31, 2026, Engine 5 was initially dispatched for a cover assignment at Station 92 (Tacoma) in Deptford Township while companies were operating at a working fire in the 100 Block of Hemlock Court in the Narraticon Woods development.
While responding with a staffing of four, Deptford Fire Chief 901 upgraded the incident to a second alarm, bringing Engine 5 directly to the scene. Engine 5 subsequently arrived as the third-due engine and assisted with stretching handlines to the Alpha Division alongside with members from Tower Ladder 10 and Ladder Tower 926.
While crews were operating in the Charlie Division, where the main body of fire was located, Engine 5, Tower Ladder 10, and Ladder Tower 926 made entry, accessed the fire floor, and knocked down a large body of fire.
Crews worked to complete primary and secondary searches of all apartments and began overhaul operations. The incident was eventually upgraded to a third alarm, with a few additional special calls above the third alarm. The fire was placed under control at approximately 0300 hours.
After restoring equipment, Engine 5 was released and returned to the city limits at approximately 0500 hours.
While Engine 5 operated in Deptford Township, a Gloucester County Regional Task Force covered the area and handled an activated fire alarm in the 400 block of S. Evergreen Avenue in Woodbury.
No injuries to members were reported. The fire remains under investigation by the Deptford Township Fire Marshal’s Office.
Photos Provided by Ed Hutchinson, Alicia Sparks, Westville FD and Frank Saia