Fire at Pine Hill, New Jersey, apartment building destroys 16 units, displaces at least 26
Sixteen apartment units were destroyed and at least 26 people were displaced after a massive fire at an apartment building in Pine Hill, New Jersey, on Tuesday night.
Pine Hill Police Chief Christopher Winters said officers and fire crews were dispatched just after 6 p.m. to the Mansion Apartments at 320 West Branch Street in Pine Hill, Camden County, for the report of a fire on a second-story balcony.
Camden County officials say an improperly discarded cigarette is to blame for the fire.
Winters said 16 families were displaced by the fire. The Red Cross is currently helping at least 26 people who were displaced.
"I couldn't do nothing, I felt helpless just watching all the flames take over," said Jonathan Lugo, who has lived at the complex for 20 years.
Lugo was in the living room with his baby brother and sister when he said his mom saw the flames and started screaming. Lugo said he helped his family escape and then raced to help his neighbors.
"I had to make sure everybody was OK. You can't let nobody stay behind and get caught in the fire and get all smoke in their lungs," Lugo said.
As smoke filled her unit, Taneka Batchelor said she struggled to get outside.
"As I came out of the house the smoke went down my throat and I was gagging for breath," Batchelor said.
Deidra Hill said she was walking through the complex when she saw "flames everywhere" from the fire.
Yvonne Gibson said people were running around trying to find their family as the fire spread through the apartment units.
"It was so sad, like, these people need prayer, man," Gibson said.
Five police officers and one firefighter were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation. Winters said they were treated and released, and no civilians at the apartments were injured.
The fire was placed under control at about 8:20 p.m., according to Winters. Crews remained on the scene overnight and were out there again on Wednesday.
SHP, which manages Mansion Apartments said, "We will be coordinating long-term stay hotel accommodations, free-of-charge, for residents displaced by last night's fire and will be providing access to a mental health professional to assist residents and staff during this time. The comfort and safety of our residents and their families is paramount, and we are cooperating fully with the agencies involved. Gift cards are also being distributed to impacted residents to help with their immediate needs."
The fire happened as New Jersey has dealt with multiple wildfires recently amid a drought watch. Gov. Phil Murphy, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and other officials are considering issuing a drought warning for the Garden State.
