At 3:45 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, a fire broke out in a two‑story apartment building on West Branch Avenue in Pine Hill, New Jersey.
The blaze began in the early morning hours, a time when the town is usually quiet.
Firefighters were dispatched immediately and worked to protect the residents and the structure.
The fire was quickly contained, preventing a larger disaster.
No injuries were reported among residents or emergency personnel.
The incident occurred during a period of low activity, which helped limit the spread of the fire.
Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
According to dispatch logs, the fire was first reported around 3:45 a.m.
The building’s two stories were quickly engulfed by flames.
The family of five sleeping on the bottom floor was not yet awake when the fire started.
By the time police arrived, the fire was already spreading rapidly.
The building’s alarm system alerted residents before the fire spread.
Firefighters arrived within minutes of the initial call.
The fire alarm sounded before the flames were visible.
The top‑floor residents were not home, which limited the potential for injuries.
Pine Hill Battalion Chief Salvatore S. Pizzo said the police were the first to enter the building.
Officers located the sleeping family and guided them to safety.
Firefighters followed shortly and deployed hoses and ladders to suppress the flames.
They worked throughout the night, focusing on containment.
By just before 5:15 a.m., the fire was under control.
Firefighters used both water and foam to extinguish the flames.
The team also checked for secondary fires in adjacent units.
The firefighters also ensured that the building’s fire suppression system was operational.
The damage was limited to the two‑story structure.
No injuries were reported among the residents or emergency personnel.
Chief Pizzo noted that other units in the complex suffered smoke and carbon monoxide exposure.
Firefighters were able to mitigate those hazards.
Residents were eventually allowed to re‑enter their units after the danger was cleared.
The building’s exterior walls showed signs of heat damage but remained standing.
Interior furnishings were partially charred but largely intact.
Chief Pizzo said the cause of the fire remains undetermined.
He added that the incident is under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office.
Authorities have not yet ruled out arson.
The investigation will examine evidence from the scene.
The findings will be released once the inquiry is complete.
Investigators are examining electrical and structural components for potential causes.
Preliminary evidence suggests a possible electrical fault, but this is unconfirmed.
The Red Cross is working with displaced residents to provide temporary housing and support services.
Local officials emphasized the importance of preparedness and swift action during such incidents.
Residents have expressed gratitude for the assistance.
The community remains vigilant after the event.
Support continues as the investigation proceeds.
Neighbors reported hearing the fire alarm and seeing smoke in the early hours.
Community members have organized a volunteer group to assist with cleanup.
Chief Pizzo said, ‘We don’t know at this point. It’s still under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office. So we’re unable to tell at this time.’
Chief Pizzo emphasized that the investigation would determine if negligence played a role.
Chief Pizzo added that he would keep the public informed as the investigation progresses.
Long‑time resident Nikole Macon told NBC10 that she believes the fire was intentionally set.
She expressed confusion over why it happened so late at night.
She also worried that the entire 900‑unit complex could have been destroyed if the fire had spread.
Her comments highlight the fear felt by residents after the incident.
Macon also urged neighbors to remain vigilant.
- Fire started at 3:45 a.m. on Dec. 12 in a Pine Hill apartment building.
- No injuries reported; damage confined to the two‑story structure.
- Investigation remains ongoing; arson not ruled out.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of multi‑unit dwellings to fire hazards.
It also highlights the critical role of coordinated emergency services in protecting residents.
While the fire was contained without casualties, the community remains alert to potential risks.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular fire safety checks.
Authorities will provide updates as new information becomes available.
The event has prompted a review of fire safety protocols across the township.
Residents are encouraged to review fire safety measures in their homes.
The Red Cross and local agencies continue to support those affected.
The Pine Hill community has shown resilience in the face of this emergency.
Community leaders are organizing meetings to discuss fire prevention strategies.
Residents are urged to participate in upcoming safety workshops.
Authorities will provide updates as new information becomes available.
