Camden Courier-Post, June 8, 1968View transcription
Widow Routed by Blaze
A Camden woman whose husband was killed seven weeks ago in a traffic mishap today was routed from her home when fire broke out in the upstairs bedroom for the second time within six hours.
Mrs. Edith McDevitt, 45, of 916 Front St. was aroused while sleeping on the living room couch about 8 a.m. as she heard what appeared to be stones hitting a window.
As Mrs. McDevitt investigated she discovered the noise was fire crackling in the bedroom upstairs. She then ran to the rear door where she called for neighbors' aid. One of the neighbors notified the fire department.
Two Overcome
Responding to the alarm were Engine Companies 2 and 6 and Ladder Company 1.
According to Fire Capt. Joseph Wolfinger, flames had engulfed the bedroom and flames shot from windows as firemen arrived at the scene. The fire was quickly extinguished although two firemen — Acting Capt. John Brzozowski of Engine Company 2 and Fireman Samuel Fisher of Ladder No. 1 — were overcome by smoke. Both were treated at the scene.
According to authorities, Mrs. MeDevitt reported she had taken medication before retiring about 11 o'clock last night. She apparently fell asleep before finishing a cigarette which ignited the mattress.
Doused Mattress Fire
However, she doused the mattress fire—about 2 a.m.—with a bucket of water. Believing the fire out, she went downstairs and slept on the couch.
Mrs. McDevitt told firemen she has been prescribed a depressant medication since the death of her husband, James, who was killed last April 22 when the car he was driving crashed into a viaduct overpass on Admiral Wilson Boulevard near Federal Street.
Authorities said Mrs. McDevitt's bedroom had extensive fire damage but was contained to that area. More than $300 in coins also was recovered for the widow after she informed firemen that a pitcher broken during the fire contained many coins.
A Camden woman whose husband was killed seven weeks ago in a traffic mishap today was routed from her home when fire broke out in the upstairs bedroom for the second time within six hours.
Mrs. Edith McDevitt, 45, of 916 Front St. was aroused while sleeping on the living room couch about 8 a.m. as she heard what appeared to be stones hitting a window.
As Mrs. McDevitt investigated she discovered the noise was fire crackling in the bedroom upstairs. She then ran to the rear door where she called for neighbors' aid. One of the neighbors notified the fire department.
According to Fire Capt. Joseph Wolfinger, flames had engulfed the bedroom and flames shot from windows as firemen arrived at the scene. The fire was quickly extinguished although two firemen — Acting Capt. John Brzozowski of Engine Company 2 and Fireman Samuel Fisher of Ladder No. 1 — were overcome by smoke. Both were treated at the scene.
According to authorities, Mrs. McDevitt reported she had taken medication before retiring about 11 o'clock last night. She apparently fell asleep before finishing a cigarette which ignited the mattress.
Doused Mattress Fire
However, she doused the mattress fire—about 2 a.m.—with a bucket of water. Believing the fire out, she went downstairs and slept on the couch.
Mrs. McDevitt told firemen she has been prescribed a depressant medication since the death of her husband, James, who was killed last April 22 when the car he was driving crashed into a viaduct overpass on Admiral Wilson Boulevard near Federal Street.
Authorities said Mrs. McDevitt's bedroom had extensive fire damage but was contained to that area. More than $300 in coins also was recovered for the widow after she informed firemen that a pitcher broken during the fire contained many coins.
