Fire Hollows Out Gloucester Twp. House, Displaces Resident

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A fire heavily damaged a Gloucester Township house, displacing the homeowner on Sunday afternoon.

Officials reported to the fire just after 3:30 p.m. at 4 Edinburgh Rd. Heavy smoke and flames emanated from the Blackwood home before firefighters extinguished the blaze.

The homeowner, who lives there alone, wasn't present when the fire broke out. They are staying with family, police said.

A Pine Hill firefighter was brought to the hospital for a medical evaluation.

Photos from the scene show the house was hollowed out, with the interior and exterior damaged.

The fire doesn't appear suspicious, police said. But the fire marshal from Blackwood Fire Department Station 84 is investigating the cause.

Surrounding streets in the Chestnut Glen neighborhood were shut down for several hours during the fire.

Fire departments from Gloucester Township and surrounding communities responded, along with township police and Inspira and Virtua emergency personnel.

Residents should check if their smoke alarms are working, police said.

"Smoke alarms are a key part of any fire escape plan," said Gloucester Township police. "When there is smoke, there is fire which can spread quickly. Working smoke alarms give you early warning, so you can get outside quickly."