5 Families Displaced, 2 Firefighters Injured In Basking Ridge Blaze: Update

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Five families were displaced and two firefighters were injured following a multi-alarm fire at the Society Hill condo complex in Basking Ridge.

A passer-by reported seeing smoke and flames coming from the roof of a unit at 182 Woodward Lane near Spring Valley Boulevard on Monday, Sept. 12 around 2 p.m., Bernards Twp. Police Dept. Captain Mike Shimsky.

While firefighters battled to extinguish the blaze, two members sustained minor injuries when a ceiling collapsed on them. No residents were injured as they were evacuated when emergency officers arrived.

It took about 45 minutes for firefighters to extinguish the fire, however the fire department responded to the scene two more times overnight as the fire rekindled. No additional damage was reported.

It is believed the fire started on the rear deck of one of the upstairs unit. The fire caused the roof of the building to eventually collapse and substantial damage the other six units in the building.

A total of five families were displaced from their homes and the Red Cross was on scene to assist them in lodging arrangements.

The fire is still under investigation, however is not being considered suspicious at this time, Shimsky said.

Responding agencies included: Liberty Corner Fire Company, Liberty Corner EMS, Basking Ridge Fire & EMS, Lyons VA Fire Department, Far Hills Bedminster Fire Department, Bernardsville Fire Department, Stirling Fire Company, Long Hill First Aid Squad, Martinsville Rescue Squad, Somerset County Office of Emergency Management, Red Cross, Bernards Township Police, and Bernards Township Office of Emergency Management.

A gofundme site has been set up for one of the families displaced, Jamie and Kasey. The couple not only lost their home but their cat Troy was severely burned and is admitted to an animal hospital and is to be transferred for further care.

To donate to the gofundme visit https://www.gofundme.com/26nnh...

(Photos via Captain Mike Shimsky)

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