Pennsauken firefighters said one person was transported from the scene due to smoke inhalation at the restaurant.
By Matt Skoufalos | March 8, 2020
One person was sent to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation after a small mulch fire broke out at La Scala’s Birra Sunday afternoon.
Pennsauken firefighters responded to the restaurant at Cooper River Park shortly before 4 p.m. March 8, said Pennsauken Fire Captain Daniel Kerr, Jr.
The restaurant had been evacuated prior to their arrival, Kerr, Jr. said.
He praised La Scala’s Birra for “getting everybody out and not taking any chances.”
Restaurant staff knocked down the fire with handheld extinguishers from the restaurant and held it until firefighters arrived, Kerr, Jr. said.
Once on scene, Pennsauken firefighters took over and quickly subdued the flames.
The restaurant was back up and running by 5 p.m. No other injuries were reported.
Mulch fires can ignite quickly and burn hot.
The state Division of Fire Safety recommends a variety of preventative measures to reduce the risk of mulch combustion.