On Wednesday, July 3, at approximately 1:06 a.m., the Gloucester Township Police Department responded to a structure fire at 32 North Black Horse Pike in Blackwood. Upon arrival, officers found heavy smoke emanating from the building, which housed several commercial businesses on the ground floor and an occupied residential apartment upstairs.
All occupants were quickly evacuated, and no injuries were reported, police said.
Fire departments from Blackwood, Chews Landing, Lambs Terrace, Blenheim, and Erial, along with the Pine Hill Fire Department, responded to the scene. They managed to bring the fire under control, containing it to a business on the first floor. Inspira BLS (Basic Life Support) and Virtua ALS (Advanced Life Support) also provided assistance.
The upstairs apartment was occupied by a family of five, who were displaced due to the fire and are now staying with relatives. A section of the Black Horse Pike was closed for several hours during the incident, police said.
At this time, the fire does not appear to be suspicious and remains under investigation by the Fire Marshal from the Blackwood Fire Department Station 84.
This incident serves as a reminder to regularly check fire suppression systems, including alerts and audible alarm systems, to ensure they are operational. Smoke alarms are a crucial part of any fire escape plan, providing early warnings that can help save lives by allowing people to exit quickly when there is smoke, indicating a fire that can spread rapidly.
