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Arson investigation in Deptford fire that injured man

    by Frank Kummer, External or Unknown
    Published 

A fire in Deptford Township, Gloucester County, that left a 58-year-old man burned overnight is being investigated as possible arson, according to authorities.

The fire on the 100 block of Caribou Court in the Narriticon development broke out about 3:40 a.m. It entrapped two adults and a child.  All were rescued, including the man who was taken to Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia.

A K-9 unit was called in as part of the investigation. The blaze was brought under control within 30 minutes.

The burn victim, Christopher Mach, was pulled from the fire by Deptford Township police officer Tim Parks, who was recently honored by state officials for drunk driving arrests. Parks twisted a knee kicking in the door. Mach was burned over one-third of his body, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office.

The fire damaged the kitchen and living room of the house.

Its cause is being investigated by the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office and the Deptford Township Police Department.  Officials are asking anyone with information to contact GCPO Det. John Petroski at (856) 384-5625.