Fort Lee Apartment Fire Does Not Appear Suspicious: Police

FORT LEE, NJ — The fire that engulfed the Linwood Park apartment building Thursday does not appear suspicious as authorities continue to investigate what caused the blaze, which displaced dozens of residents.

The fire may have started in the building's southwest crawl space, but the exact cause and origin are being investigated by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, Sheriff's Department, and Fort Lee Police Department and Fire Prevention Bureau.

Three firefighters suffered minor injuries battling the blaze. No residents were injured, police said.

The borough set up a GoFundMe page Friday to help displaced victims. More than $2,600 was donated within four hours of the page going live. The borough set up a donation center at the recreation center, 1500 8th St. Cash, grocery store gift cards, and checks will be accepted. Checks should be made payable to: The Charitable Foundation for Fort Lee.

Debbie Sinde also set up a GoFundMe page for the victims.

The American Red Cross set up a permanent shelter at the high school for displaced victims. (See related: Red Cross Opens Shelter For Displaced Fort Lee Fire Victims)

The fire began shortly before 5 p.m. and firefighters battled the blaze until 9 p.m. before finally bringing it under control, NorthJersey.com reported. (See related: Fire Tears Through Fort Lee Apartment Building [Video])

Residents climbed down fire escapes to get out of the building, ABC7 reported.

One resident banged on people's doors, begging them to come out. She "got as many of the elderly out as I could," she told ABC7.

"I was banging on people's doors begging them to come out and got as many of the elderly out as I could, I didn't even come out with shoes," said one resident who helped her neighbors escape.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photo: The fire at the Linwood Park apartment building Thursday. (Courtesy of GoFundMe, a promotional partner with Patch)