Fatal Fire At Red Bank Apartment Caused By Power Strip: Police

RED BANK, NJ — A fire that claimed the life of an Evergreen Terrace resident early Wednesday morning was caused by an overheated power strip, Red Bank Police Capt. Michael Frazee said.

The resident was Hazel Davis, 90, Red Bank police confirmed Wednesday afternoon.

Frazee said Davis lived at Evergreen Terrace for approximately three years.

The Fire Marshal's Office determined that the cause of the fire was an overheated power strip, Frazee said.

By late morning, the scene at the apartment complex was quiet as fire investigators continued their work.

One resident observing the activities said he knew the victim of the fire and lived a few doors away. "She was a very nice person," he said.

According to reports by News 12 New Jersey, neighbors said Davis was born and raised in Red Bank and was a "positive person," active in her church.

Red Bank police and fire departments were dispatched to the residence at 9 Evergreen Terrace at 6:21 a.m.

Upon arrival, officers and firefighters were made aware that the resident was possibly still inside, Frazee said.

"Efforts were made to access the residence prior to the arrival of fire apparatus, however first responders were met with heavy smoke and fire," Frazee said.

He said the Red Bank Fire Department arrived quickly and was able to extinguish the fire before it spread to other residential units.

Surrounding units were evacuated for safety purposes, but residents have since returned to their homes, Frazee said.

The Evergreen Terrace Apartments are part of the Red Bank Housing Authority, Borough Police Chief and Interim Business Administrator Darren McConnell said. McConnell was also at the site on Wednesday.

He said the property is not borough owned or operated, but federally funded and is run by its own board and administration.

On Wednesday at noon, residents were invited to gather at the community room of the complex, which serves residents aged 62 and older or 55 and older who have disabilities.

Housing Authority Executive Director Lisa Richardson was at the site and said chaplains and pastors were coming to support residents of the 50-unit complex. "People may need to talk," she said, speaking in the subdued community room.

Frazee said the investigation was conducted by the Red Bank Police and Fire Marshal's Office, as well as the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office and Fire Marshal's Office.

River Plaza Hose Company in Middletown said it supplied a Rapid Intervention Team to the incident.