From Your Editor: Electrical Fire Displaces Riverton Residents

A first-hand account by Christina Paciolla, Cinnaminson Patch editor.

In my line of work, when I hear a loud boom, smell smoke or hear a siren or fire truck, I grab my notebook and get ready to report .

But when that loud boom and odor of smoke happens outside my bedroom window at 8 a.m. on a Monday morning, my instincts sort of change.

Early this morning, I woke up to the sound of what I assumed was landscapers or construction workers. But my cat Franny's meows let me know something was wrong. You see, she's sort of a guard cat.  

I went into my office, opened the screen to the window, stuck my head out, and saw the meters and circuit breakers for my apartment building booming, smoking, sparking and more.

That's not supposed to happen, is what I thought. But a slew of four-letter words is what came out of my mouth. I ran to the bedroom to call 911.

My downstairs neighbor, a very sweet woman who is always looking out for everyone in the building, was pounding on my door. "Get out, Christina! There's a fire!"

My apologies to the dispatcher who took my 911 call; I was talking to my neighbor and frantically screaming, "Franny!" for my cat. I turned into that person.

I couldn't find Franny and the dispatcher told me to get out. As much as it pained me, I left her in my apartment and ran downstairs in my red and white polka-dot Phillies pajama pants, probably with dried drool around my mouth.

My neighbors were all outside, some clad in nightwear like me. A few of them decided to go back inside to get their phones, wallets and more so I decided to do the same. Now, I know that's a big no-no, but if you have pets, you understand.

I coaxed Franny out from underneath the bed, threw her in a plastic bin I had around the apartment, grabbed my purse, laptop, phones and stored all of the items—my cat included—in my car.

Fire trucks from , Riverton and Palmyra, ambulance, and other emergency workers were on the scene within minutes. PSE&G came to turn off the electricity while workers figured out what was going on.

I recognized a few workers, a few recognized me—but it was all business after that.

At this time, there were many trucks, neighbors and commotion along quiet Main Street in Riverton. Several neighbors offered their homes for bathroom visits or water. All the emergency workers were helpful when asked for updates or assistance.

Turns out one of the meters/breakers fried and the whole system needs to be replaced. I'm sure earlier this morning, someone told me exactly what the issue was, but with all the commotion, I've forgotten. Guess my reporter instincts didn't kick in right away since it was happening to me.

After two hours, we were allowed to enter our apartments to get some items but were asked to stay away for the next two days. There's no power and workers need to install a new system.

So, Franny and I set up shop at my parents' house in Cinnaminson, putting me closer to the action for Patch but without a bed to sleep on and an office to work in.

Franny loves it though—she gets to run around a big house, dart up and down the stairs and look out of several different windows. My mom loves it because her little girl is home for a couple days; she's already curled up in her lap.

I'd like to thank all the emergency workers who were at my apartment within minutes this morning. And I'd like to thank whoever took the clothes out of my closet to get to the breaker, and didn't throw them on the floor messily, but placed them neatly on my bed. Cleanup should be a breeze.

Luckily, no one was hurt and there's no major damage I know of. You know, it's weird when this happens to you. My heart was racing and I was scared half to death, but it's nothing compared to what some people in town have experienced that I've covered. Car accidents, fires, a house explosion, for goodness' sake. 

I learned a lot from this experience—it's essential to have good neighbors (thanks to Carmen, Natasha and Steve), get your pets out right away and make sure you have renter's insurance.

Crisis averted. What a way to start a week. How was YOUR day, Cinnaminson?