Smoking Litter Caused House Fire In Burlington Co.: Officials

EVESHAM, NJ — A fire spread through an Evesham home Saturday night and injured multiple people.

The accidental fire was caused by "improperly discarded smoking materials," according to Evesham Fire-Rescue.

It broke out at 10:49 p.m. Saturday on the unit block of Cooper Avenue. Firefighters witnessed heavy flames on the rear deck extending into the first and second floors.

One civilian and one firefighter were brought to the hospital with minor injuries.

Fires have been prevalent throughout the region in recent weeks, including wildfires that have spread quickly because of dry conditions from the worsening drought. New Jersey had virtually no rain in October, making it the driest month in the state's recorded history, which goes back to 1895.

A 40-acre wildfire burned last week in the woods in Evesham, threatening 15 homes before officials controlled the blaze.

Stage 3 fire restrictions remained in place Monday for the entire state. All outdoor fires must be in elevated stoves that use only propane, gas, natural gas or electricity.