Camden County High-Rise Fire: 40 Residents Displaced After Arson Probe

Fire investigators in Camden County are examining evidence that suggests a 14-story apartment complex in Pennsauken was set intentionally. The probe follows a three-alarm fire on Monday that forced roughly 40 residents to leave their homes and left 20 units damaged.

Crews from Pennsauken, Haddonfield, Westmont, and Cherry Hill responded to the 2400 block of McClellan Avenue at approximately 2:00 a.m. Witness footage captured heavy flames erupting from a window on the fifth floor. The Pennsauken Fire Department reported that a woman jumped from Unit 504 after the space became engulfed. She was transported to a local hospital, and her condition has not been released.

Building management stated that the fire suppression systems operated as designed. This contained the most severe damage to the originating unit. However, firefighting efforts resulted in smoke migration through the hallways and residual water damage throughout the structure. Fire officials confirmed that no additional injuries were reported during the evacuation.

First responders moved floor by floor to evacuate tenants. Frank Mangano, a resident, had to be assisted during the evacuation due to a broken leg. Kathy Nguyen, another resident, noted that false alarms are common in the building. "Usually we're like, 'Oh, that's just a small fire or something' and we don't go (outside), we dismiss it, but this time it was real," Nguyen said.

Another resident recalled waking to banging on doors and dense smoke. "I walked out and, yeah engulfed in smoke is crazy," she said. Building management is coordinating with the American Red Cross to secure interim housing for the displaced families. The Pennsauken and Camden County fire marshals' offices are leading the investigation into the cause of the blaze.

The investigation specifically includes a review of potential arson. Officials have not yet determined the origin of the fire or the extent of the structural repairs required. The building remains closed while assessments continue.