MANCHESTER – A fast-moving fire destroyed multiple units at a township apartment complex displacing residents and killing several pets, police said.
The Manchester Township Police Department was dispatched to Welles Circle in the Suncrest Village Apartment complex on February 27 shortly after 1 p.m.
Police said that when officers arrived, heavy smoke and flames were seen coming from apartment building #18.
According to police, they evacuated all of the residents from 16 apartment units and firefighters had to rescue a person from the second floor who became trapped on a balcony.
Police also evacuated residents of building #17 as a precaution as wind was strong and there was a concern that flames could spread.
Firefighters from multiple departments responded and were able to extinguish the blaze.
No injuries were reported but several pets perished in the fire.
The cause and origin of the fire remains under investigation by Manchester Police Detectives and the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office.
The following Fire Departments responded and contributed to the extinguishment of the fire: Manchester, Ridgeway, Whiting, Joint Base MDL, Toms River #1, Pleasant Plains, Berkeley, Bayville, Manitou Park, Cassville, and Pinewald Pioneer.
Emergency Medical Services from Manchester, Brick, Lakehurst, and Toms River also responded.
