CLINTON TOWNSHIP, NJ — Two people were injured in a structure fire on Route 31 on March 5.
Clinton Township Police were dispatched to 1274 Route 31 at approximately 9:48 p.m. for a reported structure fire.
Responding officers observed flames coming from the upper-level windows on the south side of the building upon arrival.
The structure contained an upstairs apartment occupied by two individuals who had exited the residence prior to emergency personnel arriving on scene.
The occupants were identified as a 72-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man.
Both individuals were evaluated at the scene and treated for injuries related to the fire.
Both were transported to the burn center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey, for treatment of smoke inhalation.
The 77-year-old man also sustained burns and is currently listed in critical condition.
Clinton Township Police assisted with scene safety and traffic control while fire personnel worked to extinguish the blaze.
Route 31 was temporarily closed in both directions to allow fire apparatus access and to deploy a water supply line across the roadway.
Preliminary information indicates the fire may have originated in the living room area of the apartment.
Initial observations suggested the presence of multiple electrical extension cords in the suspected area of origin.
Authorities have not identified any evidence indicating the fire was criminal in nature.
The incident is being investigated by the Clinton Township Police Department, the Clinton Township Fire Marshal and the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office.
