Duplex Fire Displaces Families In Red Bank: Authorities

RED BANK, NJ — 10 people from six families were displaced from their homes after a fire broke out at a local duplex home on Monday morning, authorities said.

Around 9 a.m. on Monday, Red Bank Police Captain Robert Clayton said police responded to a structure fire on the second story of a duplex at 39 Oakland Street.

Once police and firefighters responded to the incident, they were able to help remove an elderly woman from the other side of the duplex, while other tenants were able to safely evacuate on their own, Clayton said.

The fire was fully extinguished by 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Clayton said.

The Monmouth County Fire Marshals' Office is investigating the cause of the fire, which police said does not appear to be suspicious.

In an online post, Red Cross New Jersey said their disaster volunteers also responded to the fire and are providing emergency assistance to the displaced families for things like temporary lodging, food, clothing and other immediate needs.

In addition to tenants of the home that were safely evacuated from the building, Clayton said a child’s pet mouse was also saved from the fire, though the tank that the child's pet was housed in was destroyed.

After the business owner of the local pet store, Fins & Feathers, was made aware of the incident, Clayton said the owner donated a new aquarium setup so that the pet has a new home.

Mutual aid from River Plaza, Belford, Little Silver, Rumson, Sea Bright and Tinton Falls also responded to the incident.