Alert Resident Saves Neighbors From Arsonist's Work

A resident awakened by smoke detectors found a fire in the stairwell of her apartment complex on Fair Haven Hill Court early Monday morning, and she was able to extinguish the fire before it could spread.

“This fire has been determined to have been intentionally set and was done so in a manner that could have prevented residents from escaping the building,” said Sgt. Joseph Picardi, fire investigator with the Galloway Township Police Department. “Had the smoke detectors not functioned properly and the resident not acted quickly this fire could have resulted in serious injuries or fatalities.”

The Bayview Volunteer Fire Company and Galloway Township Police Department were dispatched to the fire at 4:02 a.m. Monday, according to Galloway Township police.

Picardi asked that anyone with information about the fire or any suspicious activity in the area call him at 609-652-3705, ext. 332 or Atlantic County Crime Stoppers at (609) 652-1234.

The Galloway Township Police Department Detective Bureau and Galloway Township Fire Marshal’s Office are assisting in the investigation.     

The department would further like to remind residents to lock the exterior doors to common access areas in apartment/condominium style complexes.