Multiple injuries after fast-moving fire at Edgewater Park apartments; 20 residents displaced

Fire officials said the roof of the two-story building collapsed during the fire.

Smoke is seen coming from Edgewater Manor Apartments

Firefighters responded to a fire overnight at Edgewater Manor Apartments. (6abc)

This story originally appeared on 6abc.

Two people, including a firefighter, were injured in a fast-moving fire that spread through an apartment complex in Burlington County, New Jersey, early Thursday morning.

Officials tell Action News that some people were forced to jump from their second-floor balconies to escape the blaze. Firefighters also rescued three people from their balcony.

Two of the people rescued are said to be okay, but the third person suffered burns before firefighters could reach them. They have been taken to Jefferson Hospital’s burn center.

The Action Cam was there as firefighters worked to knock down as much of the fire as possible.

  • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

This fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. in the Edgewater Manor Apartments. The complex is next to the Burlington Coat Factory Distribution Center on Route 130.

Fire officials said the roof of the two-story building collapsed during the fire and that the flames grew so intense that crews required backup on the scene, which was upgraded to two alarms to contain it as quickly as possible.

In all, at least six units were damaged and eight families are now displaced. The Red Cross is on the scene to help those families.

The firefighter injured is being treated for smoke inhalation but is expected to be okay.

Officials say firewalls and quick response by the fire department played a major role in saving lives and preventing more damage.

Officials also noted that smoke detectors appear to have been working.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Never miss a moment with the WHYY Listen App!

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal