A devastating early morning fire tore through a residence in Hammonton on Thursday, May 29, 2025, leaving a well-known local family without a home. The blaze erupted around 3 a.m. near the intersection of Columbia and Middle Roads, destroying the two-story house.
The home belonged to the Digiovannangelo family, including Domenick Digiovannangelo, a former chief of the Hammonton Volunteer Fire Department. Although all occupants managed to evacuate safely, the structure and all personal belongings were declared a total loss.
Firefighters Respond in the Dark Hours
According to reports from BreakingAC, Hammonton firefighters were among the first on scene, quickly calling for mutual aid due to the intensity of the flames. Laureldale Fire Rescue’s Tanker 39 was dispatched at approximately 3:11 a.m. to support water supply efforts.
Crews from Hammonton, Laureldale, and other nearby departments worked together in difficult conditions, battling the fire for several hours. According to Laureldale Volunteer Fire & Rescue Co., responders remained at the scene until after 6 a.m., conducting extensive salvage and overhaul operations. The blaze was finally brought under control around 7 a.m.
No Injuries Reported, But Everything Lost
Fortunately, all members of the Digiovannangelo family were able to escape unharmed. The former fire chief and his family lost not just their home, but every possession inside.
A social media post from the Hammonton Fire Department confirmed the family’s safety, stating, “We are grateful no lives were lost. Our thoughts are with the Digiovannangelo family, who gave so much to our community.”
Community members have since rallied in support. A local Facebook post shared by residents in the Hammonton Community Group called for donations and assistance for the family.
Investigation Into Cause Ongoing
The Hammonton Fire Department is continuing to investigate the origin of the fire. As of Friday morning, the cause had not yet been determined. Investigators remained on-site after the fire was extinguished to gather evidence and inspect for any remaining hot spots.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, house fires often spike in the early morning hours due to a combination of electrical malfunctions, unattended appliances, or heating equipment. Residents are reminded to check their smoke detectors regularly and review family evacuation plans.
A Reminder of Community and Preparedness
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety preparedness and the critical role local volunteer firefighters play in protecting their communities. The Hammonton Volunteer Fire Department, which has served the township for decades, responded swiftly and professionally to an incident involving one of their own.
For residents seeking information on fire safety or looking to support emergency response efforts, more resources can be found through the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and the FEMA Fire Prevention Division.