Three police officers and one firefighter suffered smoke inhalation as they guided people and pets from a blaze at an apartment and townhome complex in Camden County Friday afternoon.
Crews arrived at The Club at Main Street located near Centennial Boulevard and Hermitage Drive in Voorhees Township, New Jersey around noon to find a fire ripping through the roof of a three-story town house, according to officials.
Emergency responders acted quickly to get everyone out safe as firefighters battled windy conditions to knock down the flames.
After the fire, there were emotional reunions between fire victims and their pets including dogs, cats and even a goldfish.
"I was worried that they didn’t get my dog out in time," said C.C. Deangelis who rushed home from work after learning of the blaze. "It wasn’t until I came down toward the apartment buildings that a lady who I always see every day outside, told me, 'We got your dog out. We got him out, he’s OK.' She gave me a big hug."
In total, 20 units were damaged, leaving dozens of people out of their homes.
"The kids were in school, the dog was OK, the rest is just stuff. I can replace that," said Deangelis.
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The American Red Cross of Camden and Burlington Counties assisted 51 people from 16 families affected by the fire. In total, 43 people needed temporary lodging following the blaze.
