MANCHESTER – A fast-moving apartment fire forced the evacuation of an entire building Thursday morning at the Suncrest Village Apartment Complex, authorities said.
Police were called to 371 Gable Circle around 10:31 a.m. after reports of a structure fire. Responding officers from the Manchester Township Police Department found heavy flames and smoke coming from a second-floor apartment and extending into the attic.
Officers confirmed the burning unit was unoccupied and immediately began clearing neighboring apartments. All eight units in the building were safely evacuated.
Fire crews battled strong winds while knocking down the blaze, which caused significant damage to several apartments. Officials said firefighters were able to stop the fire before it spread to nearby buildings or a surrounding wooded area.
Multiple departments responded, including the Manchester Career Fire Department and several volunteer companies from surrounding communities. The American Red Cross also assisted residents displaced by the fire.
Emergency medical personnel treated one resident for smoke inhalation at the scene. The individual declined further medical care.
Traffic inside the apartment complex was disrupted for about two hours as crews worked to secure the area and ensure the safety of residents.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation but is believed to be accidental. Investigators from the Manchester Township Police Department are working alongside the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office.
