Monday, June 1, 2009










At one minute to three early Sunday morning, the department, along with SJI EMS, was paged for this impressive 2-alarm commercial structure fire at Pelindaba Lavender Farm. Pictured is the company's Hawthorne Lane processing facility shortly after first-in units arrived. In all, 1 sheriff's deputy, 24 District firefighters, 6 FHFD firefighters, 6 EMS responders, 5 logistics members, and the Fire Marshal were utilized to protect and save 2 exposures, cool the fire, and limit extension to the interface. Operations were defensive and challenged by the distance to adequate and accessible water supplies. Fortunately, there was no public life safety issue and no injuries were reported. At least one gallon container of precious essential lavender oil was salvaged. The last fire units cleared just before noon on Sunday, but it may be days before a cause is determined. Thanks to everyone for their committments of time, for a safe operation, and for their responses after a long dry spell. Our thoughts are with the employees and owners of Pelindaba. Although they are not "scratch and sniff", thanks to Susan Risser and Ron Garner for providing these photos.

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