Fire Breaks Out In Quincy Circle Condo In South Brunswick

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — A basement fire broke out in a condo in the Quincy Circle condo complex Monday, South Brunswick police said.

The fire broke out at 3:45 Monday afternoon and rapidly rose to three-alarm status. The fire broke out in the basement of unit Q10 in the Quincy Circle development, in the Dayton section.

When Monmouth Junction Fire Chief Scott Smith, Deputy Chief Sean Wert and patrol officers got there, they found heavy smoke pouring out of the front door and first-floor window of the home. A 21-year-old man was home when the fire started, but he was able to escape the burning condo unit. He was standing outside when firefighters got there. No injuries were reported.

Officers evacuated people from the 16 other connected townhouse. The fire went to three alarms as firefighters battled to keep the fire from spreading to connected condos.

“Firefighters were met with heavy fire conditions in the basement, spreading up the interior stairs when they made entry into the home," Chief Smith said. "The home was filled with items in the basement which made it extremely difficult to fight.”

“Basement fires are probably the most challenging and dangerous we can encounter. Firefighters are basically going down a chimney to reach the seat of the fire and everyone did an amazing job under very difficult conditions," said Smith. "This fire was particularly challenging due to the heavy smoke, high heat and fire coming up the stairs from the basement as firefighters were entering the residence."

Firefighters responded from South Brunswick, as well as additional manpower from North Brunswick, Plainsboro and other nearby towns.

The displaced family who lives there will be staying with friends. The fire is under investigation by the South Brunswick Township Fire Safety Bureau, but does not appear suspicious.

These are videos and photos from the scene: