All 41 units of an apartment building in the Blackwood section of Gloucester Township, New Jersey are inhabitable after a fire that has drawn a massive response from local agencies.
The blaze broke out sometime after 2 a.m. Saturday morning on the 1500 block of Little Gloucester Road. When crews arrived they experienced heavy smoke and flames coming from the third floor of the building.
Newly appointed Gloucester Township Police Chief Anthony Minosse told CBS News Philadelphia multiple rescues were made, with one person being airlifted by medevac. He said a firefighter was also sent to the hospital but is now in stable condition.
Five residents were hospitalized, one with serious injuries, according to GTPD.
Gloucester Township Mayor David R. Mayer said this is a “very bad” situation but it could have been a lot worse. He says the Red Cross is on scene assisting the nearly 100 residents who were displaced.
The fire has since been placed under control, but some crews remain on scene putting out hot spots.
The American Red Cross said all 41 units of the building are uninhabitable at this time. Teams are working to determine how many people are displaced and in need of shelter and assistance.
