ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (CBS) – At least five civilians and four firefighters were hospitalized and more than 70 people may be homeless after a fire broke out in a four-story apartment building in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Thursday morning, officials said.
Helicopter 3 captured flames coming from the roof and at least one upper floor of a four-story building called the Hotel Cassino.
The fire broke out in a four-story building on Georgia Avenue, a side street off Pacific Avenue, and spread to two neighboring buildings. A fourth building suffered smoke and water damage as a large contingent of firefighters battled the flames, heat and stagnant air for at least four hours.
The city said it was a Level Five fire that was reported just before 8 a.m.
Chopper 3/CBS News Philadelphia
A fire alarm went off, telling residents to evacuate the building where the fire had started, Atlantic City Fire Chief Scott Evans said. But when firefighters arrived, they found several injured people in the street and others hanging out of upper-story windows. Firefighters immediately brought out ladders to get those people to safety, he added.
At least five residents were taken to hospitals – two were taken to Crozer Hospital in Chester, Pennsylvania, with serious injuries, including burns, and one jumped from a fourth-floor window. Three were taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Evans said.
Two of the injured firefighters suffered heat stroke and a third injured his ankle.
Evans said 76 people were left homeless by the fire, including 44 international students on J-1 visas.
“These are many of the students who come here to participate in the international J-1 program and work at the Steel Pier and the Boardwalk,” Evans added.
Given the number of displaced people and the fact that the resort is busy ahead of a summer weekend, it is likely that the displaced people will be allocated rooms off the island, Evans acknowledged.
By early afternoon, the fire was under control. It was a difficult task because the air was stagnant and there was little wind to blow the smoke away – and also because of the layout of the buildings, Evans said.
“These buildings are apartment buildings, so they are a challenge. They are very compartmentalized, the corridors are narrow. They are large, old, converted houses. The rooms are very small, the fire could involve several rooms,” he added.
Chopper 3/CBS News Philadelphia
Atlantic City Police were called to help evacuate the building and close the street to traffic.
The city said anyone affected should contact Volunteers of America at 609-541-2806. Members of the New Jersey Red Cross have set up shop in the Boardwalk Hall parking garage to help people in need.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
Editor’s note: The Red Cross initially said that Stockton University students were among those left homeless by the fire. A university spokesperson clarified that none of the students were students at Stockton University. We apologize for this error.
