Two months ago, a fire broke out at Woodbridge Plaza Drive in building 23, and the fire consumed several apartments in the complex. It happened at 5:45 am on Friday, April 17, 2026. The fire damaged several apartments and forced residents to leave their homes. Fortunately, no one was injured, not even a scratch.
The fire affected about 50 residents from 16 families. It spread quickly to the upper floor and caused damage to several parts of the apartment complex. A lady living in the same community was walking outside and noticed the fire. She quickly tried to alert the residents and called the police promptly for help. Police officers and firefighters arrived at the scene within minutes. They worked hard to put out the fire and prevent it from spreading further.
The police are still investigating the cause of the fire. Many residents watched as their homes and belongings went up in flames in front of their eyes. Kind-hearted people and community members have stepped forward to help by donating essential items such as clothing, food, and household supplies. The American Red Cross is also providing assistance to the affected families.
Sandeep M lives on the first floor of the apartment complex and said that he was awakened at 5:30am that morning along with his kid and his wife. “Somebody rang the bell, so we came out. I went to the balcony, the first floor or second floor. The middle house was on the balcony and it was burning, so I had to grab my kid and my wife and we had to come out, and then the fire started from the second floor and went to the top floor and it went to the roof,” he said.
Another resident who did not want to be identified lived on the third floor of the apartment complex directly above the fire. She said that she and her parents were trying to use the fire extinguisher until it was no longer safe. “We immediately realized that there was a fire under us, so the second floor was burning and the flames were coming up, so our feet started to burn, and that is when we realized that we needed to evacuate,” she said.
The police officers were the first people to arrive at the scene. Because of the officers’ quick actions, they made sure that the residents made it out safely. The township is working with the management office at the Woodbridge Center Plaza Drive collecting supplies for the residents, and the American Red Cross is also accepting donations.
One resident named Sangeetha G also lives on the first floor and she says this, “It is devastating to see our 10 years of memory go up in flames like this and we have to start all over again, I felt very scared and sad not knowing what’s going to happen next because all my important documents and work related materials were completely damaged.”
Muhammad, a friend of Sangeetha’s son, said, “It smelled like smoke in every house, and then my brother said to go upstairs to see the fire. There were firefighters and police officers. I was going to go to school that day, but the bus was blocked by the firefighters and police officers. They blocked the house with the fence and it said ‘no trespassing’ and people put caution signs, and police were investigating by using cameras and telling people what happened. I saw a fire extinguisher. There were firefighters, police officers and an ambulance just in case someone got hurt, and then the police officers and firefighters were talking to each other. My brother woke me up and told me there was a fire. It felt dangerous and scary and I can’t believe that it would have happened. Don’t leave the stove on, turn it off before you sleep. Don’t put ACs next to wood.”
A family friend was also part of the situation and she said, “I feel sad for the things I lost. I was completely dazed and was in complete shock. I didn’t go for immediate support. People came to me for support. It had a big impact as we lost all our belongings. We are slowly coping with the situation now.”
Once again, nobody was injured and everyone was safe and sound.
