FRANKLIN TWP. — Police officers helped save a landmark on the dining scene after fire struck the Franklinville Inn early Friday.
Four officers used their fire extinguishers to knock down the flames until the Franklinville Volunteer Fire Department arrived at the 1:27 a.m. blaze, said a police account.
The blaze was starting to climb up an exterior wall when firefighters arrived at the Delsea Drive restaurant, according to a post on the fire department’s Facebook page.
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“The fire was extinguished quickly with minimal damage to the Inn,” the post continued.
The fire department praised the immediate actions by township police and Gloucester County EMS.
Fire struck the Franklinville Inn in Franklin Township on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025.
“Without their quick response, this fire could have been catastrophic,” it said.
The restaurant also praised the first responders at its Facebook page.
“Their teamwork and dedication saved this restaurant from becoming a pile of ashes,” it noted. “Thanks to their efforts, we will be reopening sooner than expected.”
The policemen who responded to the fire were Corporal Alexander Fragoso and Officers Nathaniel Tabler, Mason Tessier, and Luke Lachowicz.
Fo the time being, the steak and seafood restaurant is closed “until further notice,” said the post, which drew supportive comments from more than 60 people.
– -An old photo of the Franklinville Inn circa 1900.
“I am so happy that a piece of South Jersey history and a wonderful establishment was saved,” said a comment from Theresa Resino of Franklinville.
“So glad the damage wasn’t severe!!” wrote Melissa Arnold. “You all are a treasure to the community. Be well and come back soon!”
A Courier-Post report from 2014 noted the inn is on a former stagecoach route from the Delaware River to the Atlantic Ocean.
“The first version of the Inn was constructed in the early 1800s and functioned as a tavern, restaurant and overnight rest stop for travelers,” it said, adding that the site hosted the first town meeting for Franklin Township in 1820.
“Prior to the Civil War, the three-story portion was constructed in front of and adjoining the original building,” the report said. The building had major reconstructions in 1963 and 1993.
Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Early-morning fire damages historic Franklinville Inn