Fire at apartment building in Pine Hill, New Jersey, investigated as possible arson, source says

A fire at a Pine Hill, New Jersey, apartment complex that destroyed two units is being investigated as possible arson, a source tells CBS News Philadelphia. 

Fire crews were called to the Mansion Apartments on Branch Avenue around 3:45 a.m. Friday, when they found heavy flames coming from the 900 building of the complex. 

Firefighters from nearby towns assisted Pine Hill in getting water on the fire and bringing it under control. There were no reported injuries. 

Pine Hill Fire Department Battalion Chief Salvatore Pizzo said the fire caused "heavy damage" in two units.

The early morning fire forced several residents to evacuate, including resident Nikole Macon.

"I was on my way to work, and I hear, 'boom, boom, boom, get out! It's a fire,' and I'm like, 'what?' she recounts. 

Investigators believe the fire started in the first-floor apartment before it spread to the second floor.

A neighbor said a woman and her four kids lived in one of the impacted units. The American Red Cross is assisting that family.

"It's just hard because, you know, it's just two weeks before Christmas and people are out of their homes. Who knows if they had gifts? It's just crazy," resident Shawneequa Samuels-Sims said.

Neighbors said they're growing frustrated with what they say has been a number of fires at the Mansion Apartments. They said there have been several over the years, including one in November 2024 that destroyed 16 apartments and displaced more than two dozen people.

Neighbors said it's an issue that needs to be addressed.

"I think the majority of the fires have to be electric," a neighbor said. 

The Camden County Fire Marshals' office is still investigating.