Camden — Fire officials now believe a four-alarm fire that destroyed a former lumberyard and a produce company here this weekend was deliberately set. “There is definitely a suspicion of arson,” said fire Chief Charles A. Bates, adding several youths were reported running from the site. City fire marshal Paul Brutschea is investigating the wind-swept blaze that started at two empty storage sheds at Second and Spruce streets Saturday night and spread to the Pulini Inc. produce company on Second Street. Two firemen were slightly injured, but neither required hospitalization, fire officials said.
About 75 firemen worked for about two hours before the blaze that started at 8:15 p.m. was brought under control. The former V.G. Bennett Lumber Co. sheds were owned by the Camden City Port Authority, firemen said. Officials estimated damage at the produce plant at $2 million.
Fires at vacant houses at 618 Linwood Street and the 600-block of York Street and an occupied house on Mechanic Street Saturday night also kept firemen busy. “We have a lot of pooped troops,” Chief James McMaster said.
