Fire destroys home in Deptford, New Jersey; 2 cats rescued

DEPFORD, New Jersey (WPVI) — An investigation is ongoing after flames destroyed a home in Gloucester County.

Robert Parks witnessed his neighbor’s home on the 600 block of Hamilton Road in Deptford Township go up in flames just after 4:30 p.m. Friday.

“At first we saw a lot of smoke outside and a small flame on the porch, and within 30 seconds the entire front was engulfed,” Parks said.

Parks said his first reaction was to run to the house and nearby residents to make sure everyone got out safely.

“One of the residents was sleeping inside the house and the other was outside,” Parks said. “So we went out to the back and warned him, and by the time we got back to the front, the whole house was engulfed.”

Firefighters from Deptford, Wenonah and Woodbury Heights responded within minutes.

“When we first arrived, it was nice out there, so crews had a lot of work to do,” Deptford Fire Battalion Chief Mike Buckley said. “Firefighters were able to rescue two cats from the side of the house.”

Buckley said fortunately no one was injured, but the home was a complete loss.

“Devastating,” Fran Dizenzo said. “It’s like you want to cry for people, but I’m just glad no one got hurt.”

But behind the ruins lies a tight-knit community ready to help this family rebuild.

“Everyone comes together and I’m sure whatever people need they will get. People in the neighborhood will supply them,” Dizenzo said.

“We’re here if they need us,” Parks said.

The Deptford Fire Chief is investigating the cause of the fire.