2-Alarm Fire Engulfs Ocean City Duplex, Firefighter Rescued

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Five people were displaced Saturday morning when a two-alarm fire swept through an Ocean City duplex. A firefighter was also rescued from the blaze when he became trapped on a deck that quickly was engulfed in flames, according to authorities and reports.

Ocean City fire officials said they were called to a residence in the area of 16th and West Avenue when the blaze broke out shortly before 8:30 a.m. The fire was immediately escalated to two alarms with additional aid from the Margate City and Marmora fire departments, according to a NJ Advance Media report.

Upon arrival, fire officials reported heavy flames coming from the side-by-side duplex and two people trapped on the balcony. The people were able to escape with the help of police, officials said.

The fire was brought under control after roughly 45 minutes, officials said.

As crews battled the blaze, officials said one firefighter became trapped on a second-floor deck. Video shot by Action News showed heavy flames consuming the property as the firefighter was rescued using a ladder.

The firefighter was not injured, officials said. Authorities took one of the home's occupants to the hospital for evaluation.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Reports said the fire displaced five people, who were receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.