Nursing Home/Senior Living, Residential

Pennsville Twp, NJ – Sprinklers credited with preventing spread of fire at independent living facility

A fire authorities say was caused by unattended cooking prompted the evacuation of residents from an age 55-plus high-rise Saturday morning.

The fire at the five story Kent Avenue Apartments at 11 Kent Ave. was reported around 11 a.m.

Deepwater Fire Chief Joe Hogan said the fire was sparked by unattended cooking. He said there was no one in the apartment where the blaze started when firefighters entered.

The fire was located in Apartment 507 in the east wing of the building — on the top floor.

No one — residents or firefighters — were hurt in the incident, Hogan said.

Approximately six to seven apartments were damaged from fire, smoke and water, Hogan said.

There was also reported water throughout various parts of the building.

Hogan credited the building’s sprinkler system with helping to quickly help douse the fire and prevent its spread.