Quick response by south jersey cop leads to quick evacuation residents in early morning fire

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A Gloucester Township police officer on routine patrol early Friday morning discovered a fire engulfing two townhome units and several vehicles, prompting a swift response that ensured the safety of residents.

Officer Shawn Kelly, patrolling the Cherrywood Townhomes at approximately 1:33 a.m., spotted the blaze on the 1600 block of Bryant Place. Upon closer inspection, Officer Kelly confirmed the fire involved two residences and vehicles in a shared driveway. He immediately alerted fire and emergency medical services and began evacuating residents from the affected homes.

Photo: quick response by south jersey cop leads to quick evacuation residents in early morning fire

Multiple fire departments responded, including units from Erial, Blackwood, Chews Landing, Glendora, and Winslow Township, among others. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames while EMS transported one resident to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor smoke inhalation. Public Works crews were also dispatched to treat icy conditions caused by water runoff from firefighting efforts.

Officials said the fire displaced the occupants of one home, who are now staying with family. The cause of the fire is under investigation but has been deemed non-suspicious by the Gloucester Township Fire District 6 Bureau of Fire Prevention.

“This incident highlights the importance of working smoke alarms,” said local officials in a public reminder. “Smoke alarms provide early warning in the event of a fire, allowing residents to escape quickly before the flames spread.”

The quick actions of Officer Kelly and responding fire crews prevented further damage and injury in the early morning emergency.

Photos by Gloucester Township Police Dept./Fire Dept.

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