Pennsauken High-Rise Fire Displaces About 40 Residents

A fire that began in a fifth-floor apartment forced residents out of a 14-story high-rise in Pennsauken, New Jersey, in the early hours of Monday, Oct. 26. Roughly 40 people from 20 apartments cannot currently return home, and one woman was taken to the hospital after falling from a window.

What happened

Firefighters were called to the 2400 block of McClellan Avenue in Camden County at about 2 a.m. Monday. According to 6abc Philadelphia, the building is known as Cooper River Apartments. Crews found flames coming from a rear apartment on the fifth floor; Fox 29 identified the unit as 504. A second alarm was struck quickly, and a third was added after nearly an hour as departments from Pennsauken, Haddonfield, Westmont and Cherry Hill worked the scene alongside local police.

Both outlets reported that the fire was brought under control, with the heaviest damage confined to the apartment where it started. Smoke spread through hallways and stairwells, and water damage reached other units on the fifth floor. Fox 29 reported that the building's suppression systems worked as designed and helped limit the damage to the unit of origin.

Rescues and injuries

6abc reported that a woman was seen hanging from a window before she let go and fell to the parking lot, before rescuers could reach her. She was taken to Cooper Hospital, and 6abc described her condition as critical. Fox 29, in its own report, said her condition was unknown. Her name and age have not been released.

Two wheelchair users on the ninth floor called 911 when smoke filled their apartment. According to 6abc, firefighters reached them and neither was hurt. Most residents evacuated, while some on the top floors were told to stay put. Residents described smoky, hot stairwells; one told Fox 29 she walked out into heavy smoke after hearing banging on doors. Fox 29 also noted that one resident evacuated with a broken leg. Fire Chief Jonathan Hutton noted that occupancy is high at that hour, saying "everybody" is usually home.

Who is affected and what help exists

Both reports put the number displaced at about 40 people. Fox 29 counted 20 damaged units, and 6abc said the displaced residents came from 20 fifth-floor apartments. The American Red Cross is working with building management to arrange interim housing. Residents who need help should contact the Red Cross (1-800-RED-CROSS) and their property manager.

Cause under investigation

No official cause had been announced when 6abc published. Fox 29 reported that the Pennsauken and Camden County fire marshals' offices are investigating, including the possibility of arson. Investigators have not said what started the fire, and nothing should be assumed until they do.

What this means for renters

High-rise fires put a premium on preparation, because getting out can take longer and the stairwell is not always the safest path. A few steps are worth taking now, whatever building you live in:

• Treat every alarm as real. A resident quoted by Fox 29 said alarms are often brushed off; this time the danger was genuine.
• Know two ways out and where each stairwell exits. If a stairwell door is hot or the hall is full of smoke, staying in your apartment with the door closed and calling 911 with your location may be safer than pushing through.
• Tell the management and the fire department if you or a neighbor cannot use stairs. Several people in this fire needed help from crews.
• Check your renters policy. Standard renters insurance usually includes loss-of-use coverage for temporary housing and may cover belongings damaged by smoke or water, even in apartments the flames never reached. Photograph your belongings and keep a copy of your policy somewhere that isn't in your apartment. Our renters insurance guide explains the coverage in more detail.
• Ask about your lease. Displaced tenants should ask in writing how rent will be handled while their unit is unlivable. Rules vary by state, so confirm your rights with local legal aid or the state attorney general's office.

We will update this story if officials release a cause or the identities and conditions of those hurt.