3-Alarm Fire Torches Gloucester Township Apartment Complex, 5 Injured

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Five people were injured early Saturday morning when a three-alarm fire ripped through a Gloucester Township apartment complex, according to officials.

Shortly before 2:15 a.m., fire crews were dispatched to the Autumn Ridge Apartment Complex at 1501 Little Gloucester Rd. after receiving a call about a fire. Upon arrival, heavy smoke was seen coming from the “C” Building, according to Gloucester Township police.

Officers and firefighters evacuated the building, which consisted of 42 apartments and housed more than 100 people.

Fire departments from Gloucester Township, Deptford, Winslow, Washington Township, Lindenwold, Pine Hill, Laurel Springs and Magnolia responded and successfully brought the fire under control around 6:20 a.m.

Five people were injured in the blaze, police said. One person was listed in critical condition, while the remaining four were stable. One of the victims was a firefighter who suffered minor burns.

“We’re still looking for one or two other persons at this time,” Police Chief Anthony Minosse said during a news conference.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The American Red Cross and county emergency management officials are assisting the displaced residents.