Jobs Safe Following Dietz & Watson Fire, Spokesman Says

Sunday's massive fire at the Dietz & Watson warehouse in Delanco pretty much completely destroyed the building, but fortunately not much else was lost, according to a company spokesman.

Sections of the burnt-out facility were still smoldering Tuesday morning, though the fire was under control, according to marketing manager Steve Riley. 

Hundreds of firefighters from roughly 20 local companies—many of them working upwards of 10-12 hours—battled the blaze, which broke out early Sunday afternoon.

Riley said the more than 100 employees who worked at the Delanco distribution center have since been relocated to the manufacturer's Philadelphia facility.

"They're still very much needed," he said. "The Philly office is packed with people right now. They'll be doing their jobs over there for now."

He said it was still far too early to say what the company's long-term plans for the Delanco site are, but noted the company's multiple facilities along the East Coast, including Philadelphia, Baltimore and New York City.

Fortunately, Riley added, the Delanco center was only a warehouse—manufacturing takes place in the aforementioned cities—and the turnover of product at the facility was very high, so not much product was lost.

"That's the beauty of it," he said. "Nobody was hurt. Jobs are good."

The Philadelphia-based company's website states that manufacturing and distribution will continue despite the loss, and praises the efforts of the first responders who fought the fire.

"Right now, our efforts are focused on supporting the New Jersey firefighters and emergency officials who are battling the fire and ensuring that all are kept safe," the statement reads. "These brave first responders are our friends and neighbors. We are humbled by their efforts."

An investigation into the cause of the blaze was expected to begin Tuesday, once the fire was mostly extinguished, Delanco Fire Chief Ron Holt told the Burlington County Times.

Fire officials believe the fire began on or within the building's roof and the presence of solar panels there impeded firefighters due to the threat of electrocution, the Times reported.

No employees were hurt in the fire, but three firefighters, including Holt, were injured.

Though smoke is still a concern, Riley said testing was performed on the air quality in the area and it has significantly improved. The township had previously cautioned residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions, to avoid being outside.