April 7, 2021
By: Tyler Eckel
WEST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP (MERCER)– A massive multi-alarm fire ripped through a West Windsor apartment building Wednesday night, injuring four firefighters and displacing multiple families.
The fire occurred around 3:17 pm. Multiple fire companies from Mercer and Middlesex Counties responded to the Avalon Watch Apartment Complex for a reported apartment fire.
Building 8 on Taylor Court became well-involved with fire, as West Windsor Police assisted in evacuating residents while firefighters began to get water on the flames. The inferno quickly spread out of control, making its way to a four-alarm status.
West Windsor Police report that the fire ripped through 24 apartments, leaving them with extensive damage. Nearby apartment buildings also began full scale evacuations as a safety precaution. American Red Cross has been activated to assist the displaced families.
Smoke could reportedly be seen from parts of Hamilton, Allentown, Trenton, and Hillsborough.
One firefighter reportedly suffered an ankle injury after a partial roof collapse. Firefighters were then ordered out of the structure, and took a defensive approach. Firefighters did eventually resume interior operations.
Three other firefighters were injured, one with a reported shoulder injury, one with a reported hand injury, and another with an unknown injury. There are no reported fatalities or injuries to any civilians.
Multiple hose lines and elevated master streams were put into operation. The fire was placed under control at about 5:58 pm.
The fire remains under investigation by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Unit and the West Windsor Police Department’s Detective Bureau. Preliminary investigations reveal that the fire is not suspicious, but the investigation will extend over a period of multiple days.
The fire was brought under control with the help of West Windsor Township Fire and Emergency Services, Princeton Junction Volunteer Fire Company, West Windsor Volunteer Fire Company, Plainsboro Fire Company, East Windsor District 1 & 2 Volunteer Fire Companies, Hightstown Fire Company, Lawrence Township Fire Department, Lawrenceville Fire Company, Princeton Fire Department, Lawrence Road Fire Department, Slackwood Fire Company, Hamilton Township Fire Department, Prospect Heights Volunteer Fire Company, Kingston Volunteer Fire Company, Monmouth Junction Fire Company, Mercer County Fire Coordinators, Mercer County Emergency Service Communication Center, NJ Division of Fire Safety, Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad, Plainsboro EMS, Lawrence EMS, Capital Health Paramedics, and Signal 22 Canteen Unit.
**The article will be updated with updates as they continue to come in.**
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