Early-Morning Apartment Fire in Perth Amboy Leaves Two Residents Seriously Injured
Two residents suffered severe burn injuries after a fire erupted inside an apartment building in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, during the early hours of Friday morning, prompting an emergency response and the evacuation of dozens of occupants.
According to information provided by local fire officials, the blaze broke out at approximately 2:45 a.m. in a second-floor apartment located on Chauncey Street. The fire quickly drew the attention of emergency crews, who responded to the scene while residents worked to escape the building.
The two individuals who sustained serious burns were residents of the affected apartment. Due to the severity of their injuries, they were airlifted to the burn unit at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston for specialized medical treatment.
In addition to the two critically injured residents, three other people suffered minor injuries during the incident. Authorities indicated that those injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Fire officials reported that smoke detectors played a crucial role in helping residents evacuate safely. A total of 26 people were able to exit the building after being alerted by the alarms. The early warning provided valuable time for occupants to leave the structure before conditions worsened.
The emergency response also affected members of the first responder team. Two responders received medical attention at the scene following the incident. Officials stated that both were treated and later released.
The fire caused significant concern among residents as it unfolded before dawn, a time when many occupants were asleep. Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the cause of the fire, and further information was not immediately available.
The incident highlights the importance of functioning smoke detectors in residential buildings. Fire safety officials frequently stress that working alarms can provide critical minutes for residents to escape during emergencies, particularly when fires occur overnight.
As investigators continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the blaze, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured residents and support for those displaced by the fire.
Sources
News 12 New Jersey
Perth Amboy Fire Department
