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N.J. firefighters avoid being caught in collapse at abandoned building fire

Camden firefighters knocked down a predawn blaze at an abandoned building, but heavy fire conditions led to a structural collapse

By Rebecca Heath
nj.com

CAMDEN, N.J. — A vacant home in Camden collapsed early Wednesday morning after a fire broke out, officials said.

Crews arrived at 1652 South 8th Street around 4:45 a.m. and had the blaze under control at 5:21 a.m., said Vincent Basara, a spokesperson for the mayor’s office.

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No injuries or fatalities were reported from the blaze, but a firefighter suffered a minor injury after slipping on ice, officials said.

No nearby structures were impacted by the fire, Basara said.

Photos taken by Camden resident Ed Hutchinson show flames and smoke billowing from the building’s windows and doors.

The front, side wall and roof of the building collapsed, Basara said.

Officials said the intensity of the blaze and other factors likely caused the collapse. However, the cause of the fire and the exact reason for the collapse remain under investigation.

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