Fire destroyed house in Deptford, New Jersey; 2 cats were rescued

DEPTFORD, N.J. (WPVI) — An investigation is ongoing after flames destroyed a home in Gloucester County.

Robert Parks witnessed his neighbor’s home in 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 out front, 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 the residents next door to make sure everyone got out safely.

“One resident was at home sleeping and the other was outside,” Parks said. “So we went to the back and warned him, and when we got back to the front the whole house was flooded.”

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

“The situation was good when we first arrived, so the crew had their work cut out for them,” said Deptford Fire Battalion Chief Mike Buckley. “Firefighters were able to save two cats from the side of the house.”

Buckley said luckily no one was injured, but the house was completely destroyed.

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

But beyond the rubble is a close-knit community ready to help this family heal.

“Everyone is coming together and I’m sure the people will get whatever they need. They will get help from the people in the neighborhood,” Dizenzo said.

“If they need us, we’re here,” Parks said.

Deptford fire chief is investigating the cause of the fire.