Community Rallies To Help 65 Left Homeless By Fire In Branchburg

BRANCHBURG, NJ — 65 people were left homeless on Wednesday when a fire ripped through an apartment building in Branchburg.

The Branchburg PTO launched a fundraiser to help the families who were displaced from Red Rock Preserve at 975 Old York Road near Route 202 in Branchburg.

The fundraiser is seeking monetary donations to help provide clothing, everyday items and toiletries. They are also collecting physical gift cards from local clothing stores: Target, Walmart, Kohl's, Tjmaxx.

Gift cards can be dropped off at the district office (240 Baird Road/entrance on the left side of BCMS building) in an envelope to addressed to Toni Gooding. No Amazon/online stores for the time being.

To donate, visit zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-for-families-to-help-with-red-rock-fire.

The fire was reported around 5:30 a.m. at the Red Rock Preserve at 975 Old York Road near Route 202 in Branchburg.

Branchburg Police saw smoke and flames coming from the top of the building, said Police Chief Richard Buck.

The fire appeared to be growing in size, prompting authorities to evacuate the building.

There were no reported injuries from evacuated residents and all pets were found safely and out of harm's way. A firefighter had an injury while at the scene and was taken to Hunterdon Medical Center for further treatment, said Buck.

Schworn said local officials are actively working with county partners to help residents who have been displaced. They are looking for temporary housing and providing necessary support services.

"Our disaster volunteers are in Branchburg, where a large fire has displaced at least 65 people from a 24-unit housing complex," said Red Cross New Jersey.

Donations, including food, water, blankets, and clothing, were dropped off for displaced residents from community partners including the Food Bank Network of Somerset County, McDonald's, Wawa, Trattoria Uno, Dunkin' Donuts, and concerned neighbors.

Counselors from Bridgeway Behavioral Health also came to speak with residents affected by the fire.

The Branchburg Board of Education also helped school-aged children who were at the fire.

Branchburg's Department of Public Works provided needed goods and equipment to residents, and temporary assistance was also provided by Whiton Apartment Complex Management.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Branchburg Township officials and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM).

"At this time, there are no outward indications that the fire began under suspicious circumstances," said Buck.

"As Mayor of Branchburg, and on behalf of the Township and our residents, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude to our emergency service volunteers, our law enforcement personnel, and all of our mutual aid partners for their extraordinary efforts in containing the fire at the Red Rock Preserve," said Schworn. "It is only because of their dedication, self-sacrifice, and rapid response that this situation was prevented from becoming far worse, and that serious injuries or loss of life were avoided."

"Material possessions and buildings can be replaced. Human life cannot. For their continued service and unwavering commitment to our community, we are truly indebted to them," said Schworn.

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