HADDON HEIGHTS, NJ (October 27, 2026) — One person died Saturday evening after a fire swept through a home in the 1600 block of West High Street.
The Haddon Heights-Barrington Fire Department, along with automatic aid companies, were dispatched to a home in the 1600 unit block of W. High Street at approximately 5:20 p.m. on Oct. 24 for a reported dwelling fire.
According to fire officials, a passerby walking along the block spotted smoke coming from a side door on the residence and immediately called 911. An off-duty firefighter who lives nearby arrived within moments, conducted a rapid size-up, and reported active fire in the rear of the structure. That information was relayed to Bellmawr Fire Chief Dan DiRenzo.
Upon arrival, Chief DiRenzo confirmed a working fire with smoke visible throughout the home and requested a working fire box assignment.
Because the home’s occupants were unaccounted for, responding units were advised that victims could still be inside. A paramedic unit was also requested.
Firefighters from Haddon Heights-Barrington Squad 2 advanced a hose line through the front entrance and encountered what officials described as “Collyer’s Mansion” conditions, a term the fire service uses to describe extreme hoarding that impedes access and firefighting operations.
Despite the hazardous conditions, Squad 2 firefighters pushed to the rear of the first floor, where they located a victim near the area of heaviest fire. EMS personnel removed the victim from the residence.
Additional companies established a water supply, conducted searches, ventilated the structure, deployed ladders, and completed overhaul operations. Fire crews declared the fire under control within approximately 15 minutes.
The victim later succumbed to injuries sustained in the incident.
Authorities have not released the victim’s identity pending notification of family members.
The investigation into the fire’s cause continues.
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