Crews Battle Multi-Alarm Fire At Abandoned Tire Company In Camden
CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) - Fire crews in Camden are battling an 12-alarm blaze that broke out in an abandoned tire company Thursday afternoon.
At about 4 p.m. crews were called out to the Old Reliable Tire Company on Chestnut and Orchard streets after heavy smoke was reported coming from the second floor of the building.
The fire quickly struck 12 alarms and grew so large that it was viewable from the Philadelphia side of the Delaware River. (see photos here).
Authorities say the fire caused PATCO services to be suspended between Broadway and Ferry avenues for a little over an hour.
Todd Quinones reports...
According to police, the blaze is quickly spreading to nearby row homes on the block. Several residents had to be evacuated from their homes after they were severely affected by the flames and smoke. According to Robert Corrales, a spokesman for the mayor of Camden, displaced families will be allowed to go to the Isabel Community Center to rest and cool down after being exposed to excessive temperatures.
High winds and temperatures have presented a challenge to fire crews, causing them to cede and relocate to different areas of the block several times. Fire departments from surrounding counties are also at the scene. Additional emergency crews have been called to the location due to excessive hot temperatures.
There are no reports of any injuries at this time.
