Smoke Alarm Awakens Woman To Fire In Neighbor's Apartment In Brick

BRICK, NJ — A woman awakened by her smoke alarm discovered a fire in a neighboring unit on Sawmill Road early Friday morning, Brick Township authorities said.

The fire at 1142 Sawmill Road was reported at 3:54 a.m. by the neighbor, who smelled the smoke and called 911, Brick fire officials said. There was no one home in the unit where the fire happened, officials said.

There were no injuries, authorities said.

Herbertsville Assistant Fire Chief Jim Lepore found heavy smoke and fire coming from the building when he arrived, and mutual aid was requested.

Brick Township police evacuated nearby units while firefighters fought the fire, which was brought under control in about 40 minutes, authorities said.

The fire is under investigation by inspectors Paul Matula and Jesse Lyon of the Bureau of Fire Safety.

"Working smoke alarms make a difference," the fire safety bureau said. "Please remember to test and maintain your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms."

The fire safety bureau also thanked the agencies that provided mutual aid.