The flames were extinguished quickly after a multi-company response to homes on Spruce Street and Washington Terrace.
By Matt Skoufalos | May 26, 2023
Firefighters battle a backyard fire in Audubon. Credit: Matt Skoufalos.
A backyard fire of indeterminate origin ripped through sheds and fences on adjoining properties in Audubon on Friday afternoon, climbing up a utility pole to a pine tree, where it smoldered until fire companies from seven local communities put it down.
Shortly before 11 a.m., firefighters responded to the 200 block of Washington Terrace to investigate a police report of multiple sheds on fire there, Audubon Fire Chief Patrick Slemmer said.
Upon arrival, Audubon firefighters saw a thick, dark column of smoke rising from a rear yard. The first team to arrive knocked down the fire within a few minutes using hand lines, Slemmer said.
But the flames appeared to have traveled up a utility pole in the yard, and beyond, to an adjoining pine tree in a yard the next block over, on Spruce Street.
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To bring it under control, Oaklyn firefighters positioned their ladder engine in a driveway between two homes on Spruce, and stretched it above the buildings to douse the tree.
Firefighters battle a backyard fire in Audubon. Credit: Matt Skoufalos.
In addition to destroying a trio of sheds and a pair of fences on neighboring properties, radiant heat from the fire also smoldered the rear siding of a home on Spruce Street.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, and is believed to be accidental, the chief said.
Audubon Fire Company was assisted on the call by firefighters from Mount Ephraim, Westmont, Haddon Heights-Barrington, Gloucester City, Oaklyn, Collingswood, and Audubon Park.
No injuries were reported in the incident.
