Old Bridge, NJ (April 22, 2025) – A major structure fire broke out Monday in a multi-occupancy residential building in Old Bridge, prompting a fourth alarm response from regional fire departments and the activation of multiple EMS units due to early reports of entrapment.
The incident occurred at approximately 300 Rellim Dr, where flames were reported to have spread rapidly through several units of a residential complex. Initial dispatches indicated that individuals may have been trapped inside as fire crews arrived. First responders worked urgently to conduct search and rescue operations while battling the intense blaze.
Multiple EMS teams were requested to assist with triage and treatment of residents, some of whom were evacuated with visible signs of smoke inhalation or injuries. While official injury counts have not been released, the scale of the response suggests multiple victims may have required medical attention.
The fire quickly escalated, with a fourth alarm declared to summon reinforcements from surrounding jurisdictions. Crews fought the fire through the evening, employing aerial ladder units and working aggressively to contain the spread between residential units.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the blaze. The fire is under active investigation, and building inspectors are assessing the extent of the structural damage.
Our thoughts are with the families displaced by this devastating incident, and we commend the fire and EMS teams for their bravery and rapid response.
Residential Fires and Community Impact in New Jersey
Fires in multi-family residential buildings pose exceptional risks due to shared walls, common utility systems, and the presence of multiple occupants, often including children, elderly residents, and individuals with mobility limitations. When a fire strikes a complex like the one on Rellim Dr in Old Bridge, response efforts must be swift, large-scale, and highly coordinated.
Fourth-alarm fires are rare and typically reserved for only the most challenging and dangerous situations. Such designations reflect not only the size of the fire but also the number of people at risk and the logistical demands of fighting a blaze in dense residential settings.
Entrapment reports, even preliminary ones, necessitate aggressive search operations, which put firefighters in considerable danger. In these moments, seconds count—and the professionalism and courage of responding crews can mean the difference between life and death.
In the aftermath of a fire like this, displaced residents often face emotional trauma, loss of property, and uncertainty about where they will stay or how they will rebuild. Local agencies typically coordinate shelter, food, and emergency supplies, but recovery may take months or even years, especially for those who sustained injuries or lost loved ones.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a devastating residential fire, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. At Local Accident Reports, we connect fire victims with recovery resources, housing assistance, legal aid, and support networks designed to help rebuild lives. Contact us today and let us help you begin the recovery process with compassion and confidence.