This morning at 6:14 AM, Company 17 was alerted to a working structure fire with multiple entrapments
 
By Morris Township Volunteer Fire Company #1
March 12, 2025
 

Initial reports indicated flames coming from a multi-story apartment building, with at least four people trapped inside.

Chief 17, who was in the area, responded to the scene and quickly confirmed the reports of entrapment. He immediately requested a second alarm. Upon arrival, Chief 17 found three individuals—two adults and one infant—trapped on the roof of the third floor. The fire had self-ventilated through multiple doors and windows, which blocked access to the family.

As Chief 17 was searching the area for a way to reach the victims, a neighbor brought a ladder to the structure. Chief 17 quickly deployed the ladder, gained access to the family, and led them to safety, ultimately saving their lives.

As Engine Rescue 17, Truck 17, Rescue 17, Engine 17, and Command 17 were responding, the call was upgraded to a third alarm assignment, summoning tankers from multiple counties.

When Company 17 arrived on scene, they immediately entered fire suppression mode to knock down the bulk of the fire and begin an interior attack. However, due to the heavy fire load, crews were requested to exit the building and conduct an exterior attack instead.

Approximately 25 different companies, comprising about 125-150 firefighters, battled the blaze for several hours.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the numerous residents who provided coffee to the firefighters, as well as to Minit Mart, The Market Place, and Sheetz for supplying additional food and beverages as crews worked on the scene for nearly eight hours.