TO: All Residents and Owners of The Villages at Berkley

FROM: Rodney Hunt Jr, President

January 13, 2008

SUBJECT: Building Fire in the complex

On Sunday January 11 shortly after 9 AM we had the first of two fires which ultimately destroyed the 1120 Building, in the Northeast corner of our Condominium section, on Tristram Circle. The initial fire destroyed 4 of the 8 units in this building, but at 3:00 AM Monday morning the fire re-ignited burning the remaining 4 units, which left this 8 unit building destroyed.

The Mantua Fire Department, The Gloucester County chapter of The American Red Cross as well as fire damage remediation specialists were on site very quickly and all persons escaped serious injury. This fire quickly rose to 2 Alarms.It is unfortunate that this fire initially started, according to Fire Officials, as the result of Careless Smoking. We are very fortunate to live very close to a Fire Station and our Fire Department moved rather quickly. In the 20 year existence of our complex we have never had a fire of this magnitude, just a few trash shed fires and minor issues within a few units but nothing serious up until now.

I have become increasingly more aware of being certain that all items in my home are in a safe condition and especially electronics such as computer equipment, to turn them off when not in use and to not overload electrical outlets and I am asking the same of all of us, to look out for one another as well as secure our own individual homes. This is a sensitive subject as I realize but those among us who are smokers, please pay attention to what you are doing. It also is prudent to have a fire extinguisher handy, one that will fight all classes of fire.

I will also, as we have done in the past, have our Fire Department attend some of our Town Watch Committee meetings and give more teaching on Fire Safety and how to protect ourselves. This is something we have done many times in the past, and I am calling on all of us, myself included, to be more aware of our surroundings. We have become very watchful of activities outside but now we must be more alert to our inner surroundings as well.

The displaced residents of the 1120 Building all secured alternate shelter immediately. The Red Cross only had to provide shelter for a few. The others had arrangements made fairly quickly. I have been asked by some residents about donating clothing food or money to those affected by this event and our management office is in contact with those residents but to date no one has mentioned needing help. If you have clothing, children’s clothing or other items you feel may be of help to our fellow neighbors please contact the Management office at (856) 415-1330 so arrangements can be made for delivery of these items.

In closing I wish to thank all unaffected residents who took part in helping out in this difficult time as well as The Fire, Ambulance and Police Departments for a resilient response. It has been my observation that when fellow neighbors in the village are in need, many of you are known to respond, and I Thank You.

Regards,

Rodney Hunt Jr
President