Gloucester Township, NJ — On Wednesday, July 3, at approximately 1:06 a.m., the Gloucester Township Police Department responded to a structure fire at 32 N. Black Horse Pike in Blackwood. Officers arrived to find heavy smoke emanating from a building housing several commercial businesses on the ground floor and an occupied residential apartment upstairs. All occupants were quickly evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
Fire departments from Gloucester Township Squad 88 Blackwood Fire Company, Chews Landing Fire Department, Lambs Terrace Fire Company, Blenheim Fire Company, Gloucester Township Fire District 6, and Pine Hill Fire Department arrived on the scene. They successfully contained the fire to a first-floor business. Inspira BLS and Virtua ALS provided additional assistance.
The upstairs apartment was home to a family of five, who were displaced by the fire and will be staying with relatives. A section of the Black Horse Pike was closed for several hours during the incident.
The fire does not appear to be suspicious but remains under investigation by the Fire Marshal from Blackwood Fire Department Station 84.
Residents are reminded to check their fire suppression systems, including alerts and audible alarm systems, to ensure they are operational. Working smoke alarms are crucial for early warning and quick evacuation in the event of a fire.