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The five-alarm blaze on the first block of South Georgia Avenue started at around 7:50 a.m. on Thursday, July 11, city fire Chief Scott Evans said. The fire began in a 24-unit apartment and quickly spread to a neighboring four-unit building.
When firefighters arrived, they saw several injured people already in nearby streets and heavy flames on the third story.
"There were people hanging out of windows on the third and fourth floors," said Chief Evans. "Firefighters on arrival quickly went into rescue mode."
Two residents suffered serious injuries and were brought to a burn center. Three others were brought to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Atlantic City Campus.
Four firefighters were also hurt, although Chief Evans described them as "not seriously" injured. Two suffered heat exhaustion and one had an ankle injury.
Chief Evans also said 76 people were displaced by the fire in three buildings, including 44 international students from at least six or seven countries. The students in the U.S. on J-1 visas typically work seasonal jobs and help businesses relying on summer tourism.
A reunification center was set up for all residents about a block away at Boardwalk Hall. Many agencies were there to help the victims, including translators for the J-1 students.
Police said the city's center was closed from Texas to Mississippi avenues between Arctic and Pacific avenues as crews responded to the scene.
The narrow area around the fire, along with humidity and a lack of wind to clear smoke, provided tough challenges for firefighters.
"There's a maze of buildings [and] a maze of fencing behind the building," said Chief Evans. "It's very difficult getting accessibility through the rear of the building."
The building where the fire started was destroyed and the second one will likely need to be knocked down, the chief said. The 28-unit building for the J-1 students was mostly spared by the fire but sustained smoke and water damage.
Investigators are looking into what caused the fast-moving fire. Chief Evans said the buildings' alarms did go off and while most people were able to evacuate, some resorted to jumping out of windows to escape.
Inspectors at the scene determined the buildings were legally occupied. Chief Evans added that the city will continue working to find out if each unit was approved for housing.
New Jersey's chapter of the Red Cross and Volunteers of America were assisting the fire victims.
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