LAKEWOOD – An early morning fire provided township firefighters with a challenging effort in bringing a fire under control at 50 Chambersbridge Road.
The fire that occurred shortly before 4 a.m. on March 27 had members of the Lakewood Fire Department encountering heavy smoke at a liquor store/pizza restaurant at the 200 by 75 foot one story commercial building.
Once they responded to the general crews secured a water supply via 450 feet of 3.5 inch hose and stretched 250 feet of 2.5 due to the unknown location of the fire
The firefighters had to break into the pizza restaurant and found heavy smoke but no heat. They then entered the liquor store and experienced smoke heat and the sound of a sprinkler head flowing.
Firefighters had to cope with maze like conditions that required a combined effort of multiple engine companies to perform the stretch. In a storage room located in the back of the structure firefighters encountered fire and smoke which was extinguished relatively quickly.
Due to the construction of the building a type two noncombustible and the high heat trucks encountered an advanced roof deck fire which fire department at the scene described as being a very manpower intensive and require several trucks.
A call went out for additional manpower early on to allow for a regular rotation of crews. Extra saws and fuel were needed. A New York roof hook was stated as being the best tool for stripping the insulation.
Following hours of cutting and exposing the combustible roof deck the fire was designated as being under control. The fire crew also stated thanks to the support units on scene for what was described as an “intensive stubborn fire.”
