Fire displaces 33 Rutgers University students living in off-campus housing; 3 firefighters hurt
NEW BRUNSWICK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A three-alarm fire at a New Brunswick apartment building displaced dozens of Rutgers University students and injured three firefighters, officials said.
The fire broke out around 1:24 p.m. Tuesday at an eight-unit residential building on Louis Street, according to the New Brunswick Fire Department. Firefighters brought the blaze under control at 5:13 p.m. after nearly four hours on scene.
No civilians were injured, authorities said. Two New Brunswick firefighters and one mutual-aid firefighter suffered minor injuries.
Rutgers University said 33 students were affected by the fire. The total includes 17 students who lived in the building where the fire occurred and students living in a neighboring building whose apartments sustained water damage.
"We are grateful that no injuries have been reported," Rutgers said in a statement. The university said the New Brunswick Fire Department is leading the emergency response and investigation.
Rutgers officials said staff members have contacted affected students and are helping address immediate needs, including meals, clothing, temporary housing and assistance with classes. Counseling and other support services also are available.
The American Red Cross said it responded to the fire Tuesday and provided emergency financial assistance to 18 people to help cover temporary lodging, food, clothing and other immediate needs. The organization said it expects to assist additional people affected by the fire as they become available.
The Red Cross is also providing disaster health, mental health and spiritual care services and is coordinating with Rutgers to support affected students.
Numerous mutual-aid agencies assisted at the scene, including departments from Edison, East Franklin, North Brunswick and East Brunswick, along with New Brunswick police, emergency management officials and Middlesex County fire coordinators.
Firefighters remained at the scene Tuesday evening completing overhaul operations. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
