NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — At least two people were hurt and 10 families were displaced after a fire tore through an apartment building in Edgewater Park, Burlington County early Thursday.
The fire erupted after midnight on the second floor of the L-shaped “AS” building at the Edgewater Manor Apartments, which is close to Route 130. Crews arrived within minutes and got the fire under control within an hour and a half.
Firefighters were able to rescue people who were on their balconies escaping the flames and thick smoke.
And others got help from neighbor Jessica Smith, who jumped into action when she saw the flames.
“I saw big gulfs of orange, red flames coming out from the side of the building,” she said. “I ran out here and got on 911. Ended up getting soaking wet and I saw my neighbors running out.”
Those neighbors went to her apartment for safety, she said.
The fire was contained on the second floor, as the fire wall was able to block flames from tearing through the entire place.
But the part that was hit was significantly damaged. The roof and floor collapsed and burnt debris was left behind.
According to officials, at least three people were rescued. One resident was taken to a hospital burn unit and a firefighter was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their exact conditions have not been released.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.