Fire At Gloucester Township ShopRite Started In Trailer: Police

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ - A weekend fire at a Gloucester Township ShopRite stemmed from a refrigerated truck behind the store, authorities said.

Shortly before 8 a.m. on Saturday, Gloucester Township police responded to the report of a fire in the rear of the grocer on Blackwood-Clementon Road, police said.

Heavy smoke and flames were observed coming from a refrigerated trailer in the back loading dock of the supermarket, police said, and the fire quickly spread to the rear of the building.

Building occupants were all safely evacuated from the area; one employee was transported to a local hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation, police said.

Gloucester Township Fire Department personnel from Gloucester Township Squad 88, Chews Landing Fire Department, Blackwood Fire Company, Lambs Terrace Fire Company, Gloucester Township Fire District 6, Pine Hill Fire Department, Lindenwold Fire Department and Runnemede Fire Department aided in extinguishing the morning blaze, police said. Related: New Gloucester Township Fire Truck To Join Fleet Friday Night

The Camden County Fire Marshal's Office, Camden County Health Department, and Gloucester Township Building Inspector also responded to the fire.

A portion of College Drive was closed for several hours on Saturday while fire personnel worked to contain the blaze.

Though the fire “does not appear to be suspicious at this time,” it is being investigated by the Gloucester Township Police Department and the Camden County Fire Marshal's Office, police added.

“This is a reminder to check your fire suppression systems and alert / audible alarm systems to ensure they are operational,” Gloucester Township police said. “Smoke alarms are a key part of any fire escape plan. When there is smoke, there is fire which can spread quickly. Working smoke alarms give you early warning, so you can get outside quickly.”