9 Families Displaced From Apartment Fire In Franklin: Update

FRANKLIN, NJ — Nine families have been displaced following a fire that broke out at an apartment complex in Franklin Township Thursday morning. Authorities are currently investigating it.

The fire was reported at 6:52 a.m. at a second floor apartment on Norwich Place. When authorities arrived heavy black smoke and flames could be seen coming from the multi-family dwelling, Franklin Police Lt. Philip Rizzo said.

No residents were reportedly injured, however residents from nine units were displaced as a result of fire, smoke and water damage. All the displaced residents are staying with family or friends in the area.

Firefighters from the Franklin Township Office of Fire Prevention and volunteer firefighters from throughout the entire township responded to the scene to extinguish the blaze.

Several fire companies from surrounding communities were also on scene to assist. EMS personnel from East Millstone First Aid Squad and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital were on scene as well.

Detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Fire Investigation Unit, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Franklin Township Police Department have an on-going, joint investigation into the cause and origin of the fire.

Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson, Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor, and Franklin Township Chief of Police Richard A. Grammar request anyone with information to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100, or the Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-5533 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477) or online at www.888577tips.org or at www.scpo.net and click on either "Crime Stoppers" or "TIPS HOTLINE". All anonymous Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.