[UPDATED 6:10 PM] Multiple families were displaced and two cats were injured after a fire broke out at a Lakewood apartment complex this afternoon, officials confirm to TLS.
The fire at Lisa Robin Circle apartment broke out shortly after 2 PM, and prompted the response of dozens of firefighters and other emergency personnel.
The families evacuated the complex immediately, but two cats remained inside officials said.
A building maintenance, who was reportedly fixing frozen pipes and using fire, suffered minor injuries, an official said.
The cats were located a short time later as firefighters battled the flames.
The cats suffered burns and other injuries, and were transported by Lakewood First Aid and EMS to a local veterinary hospital.
“One of the cats may not make it,” an official told TLS.
The Red Cross was called to assist with placing families, Detective Lieutenant Steve Allaire tells TLS. Initially, 26 units were not allowed back in, but then brought down to six.
The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office.
[TLS-28/NYS-1/TLS-46/CL/TLS-TRV/TLS-53/TLS-59/TLS-27/TLS-20]
20 people in a single family home
To cjones: READ! It says apartment complex. The 20 displaced persons were in other apartments and neighboring homes.
I was there and the fire fighters, EMS, and police were all outstanding. Very lucky to have such a great group of folks serving the public.
babaloo Tennessee,
Career can’t do this alone. It’s just 4 guys, and the off duty were hit out on second alarm. Great job on the volunteer fire department as well! Can’t do it without you.
Babaloo if it was just fmba80 there who brought the other trucks? Let five everyone the thanks they deserve.
Hope the cats are ok.
You make is sound like there were no volunteers there.
You must be part of some union and hate the volunteers that do the job that you guys get overpaid to do.
Maybe thank the vollys for taking time off from work (so actually losing money not MAKING money) and helping out in the community that they live in, and care enough to be there 24/7 because they care.
Overpaid is right! Great job volunteers!
I think you guys misunderstood JBW’s comment. I believe he was trying to say this job in this town can’t be done with only 4 people working a shift…volunteers are most definitely still needed! Much needed and well respected. I think his comment was definitely misunderstood!!
All these posts that speak about the politics of full-timers and volunteers are people that aren’t even involved. Get a life.
Why does it always have to be about the money..Someone lost their house and may have lost one of their pets..All the Emergency units on scene did a great job in the cold..kept everyone safe…Let it go already.
Why argue about who did what The Lakewood Fire Dept is a cohesive unit to work with and for.
As one of the 1st units on scene I must say we all did a great job containing and extinguishing the fire with the least amount of damage possible.
Due to the volunteers quick response in the middle of a a busy work day we were able to get sufficient amounts of water to the fire quickly.
I would like to thank Scott Carter of lakewood ems as well as all the Volunteer 1st aid member that came and stood by for 4 hrs in the cold weather to provide rehab tents as well as hot coffee!
As you may know this Saturday February 21st 2-10pm at town hall is the Fire Commisioners election, all registered voters are urged to come out and support us volunteer firefighters who understand the safety and danger of the job by voting Mizrahi, Ortiz, Cohen and yes on all questions!
Thanks
David Mizrahi
Volunteer Firefighter
Lakewood Fire Dept
I have lived there for 15 years, and there have been 2 fires (including this one). The response from the Lakewood Fire Dept and all who arrived has been and always is great! These people put their tails on the line each time they go into a burning building. Praise them!! And while I’m on the subject, cjones, you are incorrect. There was 1 person living in that apartment, with his/her pets. And to bash this complex just because it is in Lakewood is just wrong. Maybe you should think before you post, it would show some intellegence instead…just saying…