Sea Bright residents flee apartment fire above hardware store
SEA BRIGHT−Residents in apartments above Bain's Hardware on Ocean Avenue fled a fire in the three-story building, including one person who climbed out a window and onto a ladder from a firetruck, officials said.
Police Chief Brett Friedman said he heard the alarm go off for the fire first reported shortly before 11:30 a.m. and went to the scene and into the building with Lt. James McCue. A corner apartment was engulfed, the chief said.
Friedman and McCue evacuated all the apartments that were filled with smoke, the chief said.
There were "very minor injuries from smoke inhalation," Friedman said.
More:Wildfire season is expanding in NJ, and a warm, dry February didn't help
Mayor Brian P. Kelly, who was at the scene, said firefighters responded quickly. The headquarters of Sea Bright Fire Rescue is across the street.
Four members of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team responded to the fire, said Diane Concannon, spokesperson for the organization. Emergency assistance for temporary lodging, food, clothing and other immediate needs was provided to a family of four.
Concannon said the people living in the other seven units in the building were able to return to their apartments, although borough officials have not yet confirmed that.
This is a developing story. Check back with app.com for more details.
Ken Serrano covers breaking news, crime and investigations. Reach him at 732-643-4029 or kserrano@gannettnj.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Sea Bright NJ fire above Bain's Hardware forces residents to flee
