Firefighters Knock Out Presidential Center Blaze In Cinnaminson

CINNAMINSON, NJ — It’s not often that the fire chief is the first person to see a fire, but that’s exactly what happened in Cinnaminson Monday night.

Cinnaminson Fire Chief William Kramer was coming home from a training session shortly after 9 p.m. when he spotted a fire that had broken out at The Presidential Center, a two-story office building on Route 130 South.

First, he sprang into action the way any civilian would: he reported the fire to the local fire department. Three fully staffed Cinnaminson fire engine companies arrived on the scene within a minute, Kramer said.

They were soon joined by firefighters in neighboring jurisdictions, who helped them to subdue the blaze, Kramer said.

The fire was contained to the second floor and attic of the Jefferson Building, Kramer said.

“They did a nice job knocking it down,” Kramer said.

The fire was under control by about 9:50 p.m., with no firefighter injuries. The Presidential Center was unoccupied at the time, Kramer said.

The second floor sustained heavy damage from the fire, and there was heavy smoke and water damage throughout the rest of the center.

The fire marshal is investigating the cause, but the fire has not been deemed suspicious.

Firefighters from Delran, Palmyra, Pennsauken, Riverside and Riverton joined Cinnaminson in combating the fire, while the Moorestown and Lenola fire departments provided coverage. The Palmyra Ambulance Association also reported to the scene to assist with rehabilitation efforts for the firefighters involved.

Cinnaminson police assisted with crowd and traffic control in the area of Route 130 South and Jackson Street.