Massive early-morning fire rips through south jersey apartment complex, injures five

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ – Thick smoke and flames tore through the Autumn Ridge Apartments early Saturday morning, sending residents fleeing into the cold night air.

The blaze erupted just after 2 a.m., quickly consuming part of the complex’s “C” Building on Little Gloucester Road.

Photo: massive early-morning fire rips through south jersey apartment complex, injures five

By dawn, more than 100 residents had been displaced as firefighters battled the inferno for hours before declaring it under control around 6 a.m.

Key Points

Fire broke out at Autumn Ridge Apartments around 2:14 a.m. Saturday
Five people injured, including one firefighter; one victim remains in critical condition
Over 100 residents displaced, receiving aid from OEM and the Red Cross

Firefighters battle through night to contain flames

Responding officers and firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke pouring from the three-story “C” Building. Crews immediately began evacuating the structure, which contains roughly forty apartments. Residents, some still in pajamas, watched as flames lit up the night sky.

Fire departments from across South Jersey—Gloucester Township, Deptford, Winslow, Washington Township, Lindenwold, Pine Hill, Laurel Springs, and Magnolia—joined forces to contain the blaze. Despite difficult conditions, the coordinated effort brought the fire under control just after sunrise.

Several injured, residents left without homes

Officials confirmed five injuries: one person in critical condition, four in stable condition, including a firefighter who sustained minor burns. Emergency medical teams from multiple agencies provided on-scene treatment and transport.

The displaced residents are being assisted by Gloucester Township’s Office of Emergency Management and the American Red Cross, who have arranged temporary shelter and support.

Investigators seek cause of fire

The cause remains under investigation by the Camden County Fire Marshal’s Office, the Blackwood Fire Department’s Fire Marshal, and the Gloucester Township Police Department. Authorities have not yet released details on where the fire started within the building.

Officials urge residents to check smoke alarms

In a statement, Chief Anthony Minosse and Mayor David R. Mayor emphasized the importance of functional smoke detectors and fire suppression systems. Officials noted that working alarms provide early warning, allowing residents to evacuate before conditions become deadly.

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