On Sunday October 7, 2024 the Deptford Fire Department was dispatched for a brush fire in the wooded area of Tarpy Drive and Lehman Avenue. Engine 911 arrived to find a deep seated fire approximately 50’ x 50’ in diameter. Lieutenant Robert McDermott and Firefighter Roland (RJ) Williams made their way to the fire with water cans. As they arrived they observed a homeless encampment that was burning and a male in the middle of the fire with his trousers on fire. Both McDermott and Williams immediately went to the male to remove him from the fire and to put his clothes out. This male became extremely combative and was resisting the rescue efforts of McDermott and Williams. Finally the male’s clothing fire was put out he was removed from the fire area and turned over to the Deptford Police Officers who were arriving on location. The male was treated by other Deptford Fire Department EMT’s until the arrival of EMS. The male was transported to a local burn center for his injuries.
