Gloucester Twp Home Fire Displaces Family Tuesday Evening: Police

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ - A Gloucester Township fire in the Blackwood section of town displaced a family on Locust Drive Tuesday evening, authorities said.

Gloucester Township police officers evacuated the residence and neighboring homes shortly before 6 p.m. after spotting smoke and flames in the rear of the home, police said.

Units from Gloucester Twp. Squad 88, Chews Landing Fire Department, Blenheim Fire Co., Blackwood Fire Company, Glendora Fire Company, Erial Fire Company and Lambs Terrace Fire Company along with Runnemede Fire Department and Deptford fire departments assisted at the scene and “quickly gained control of the fire,” police said.

The home was occupied at the time of the incident, though no serious injuries were reported. Red Cross New Jersey disaster volunteers have provided emergency aid for temporary lodging, food and clothing for the family of four as a result of the blaze, the organization said.

The cause of the fire doesn’t seem suspicious, but will remain under investigation by the New Jersey State Fire Marshal's Office and Blackwood Fire Department Station 84, 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 in a statement. “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.”