The issue is prompting renewed concerns from first responders and residents about public safety.
No one was injured in the fire on Harvard Avenue, but officials and community members warned during a meeting on Wednesday that the next emergency could have a different outcome if staffing issues are not addressed.
"Sometimes you look at things you don't believe is there. I looked again, there were 10-foot flames on our patio," said Frank Marino, whose home was damaged by the fire.
Marino and his wife, Bina Marino, said quick action from the Collingswood Fire Department prevented the home from being destroyed.
"If they weren't here, this house would be gone," Frank Marino said.
Bina Marino said the situation could become dangerous if multiple emergencies happen at the same time.
"If you have two or three emergencies, somebody's going to get hurt," she said.
Officials said that at the time of Monday's fire, Collingswood had five people on duty, but two EMTs were leaving Cooper Hospital in Camden. The deputy mayor said this has been happening more frequently.
"We have firefighter EMTs who are unable to respond to incidents, and they're required overtime," said Amy Henderson Riley, the deputy mayor of Collingswood.
Collingswood Fire Chief Geoffrey Joyce said emergencies require immediate staffing to ensure rescues can be carried out.
"When emergencies happen, it's a very time-sensitive incident, and we need to have the people there immediately to be able to do the rescues that we do," Joyce said.
During Tuesday's meeting, borough commissioners approved a request to hire a consultant to recommend solutions to the staffing challenges.
Officials said the consultant is expected to be appointed in March or April, and a report with study results will be produced within 90 to 120 days for review.
Officials said they will also look into interim measures to keep residents safe in the meantime.