Firefighter rescues child from burning apartment in Ocean

OCEAN — A firefighter rescued a child from a burning apartment building Saturday afternoon during a blaze that displaced people living in four apartments, authorities said.

The two-alarm fire was reported shortly after 2:15 p.m. at the Middlebrook Apartments off Deal Road. The early message to authorities was dire — a child was possibly trapped inside.

Firefighters encountered heavy fire on the first floor of the two-story brick building, Wannamassa Fire Company officials said in a Facebook post.

"A firefighter went in, grabbed the child and brought him out to a Ocean Township cop who brought the victim to a waiting ambulance," said Chris Swendeman, spokesman for the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.

At one point, the apartment was engulfed in flames, he said.

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There was no word on the child's condition, or any other details about the victim. The child was brought to a hospital, Swendeman said.

The fire forced a number of people out of four apartments, he said.

American Red Cross spokeswoman Diane Concannon said the organization is assisting six people from five families and possibly two more people.

The origin of the blaze is still under investigation.

Firefighters from Oakhurst, Asbury Park, Wayside, Tinton Falls, Deal, Allenhurst, Glendola, Sea Bright, Eatontown, Avon and Belmar and rescuers from Wannamassa and Allenhurst assisted.

Ken Serrano covers crime, breaking news and investigations. Reach him at 732-643-4029 or at kserrano@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Firefighter saves child trapped in Ocean apartment blaze: official