A hoarding situation at the house complicated firefighters' efforts, authorities said
RED BANK -- A stubborn fire that destroyed a house in Red Bank and led to five injuries was caused by an improperly discarded cigarette, authorities said Friday.
The preliminary investigation into the blaze on Leonard Street on Thursday indicates that it started from a cigarette improperly discarded on the front porch, said Red Bank police Chief Darren McConnell.
The fire displaced the family living there, including one person who jumped from a second-story window to escape the flames.
The resident suffered back and foot injuries, McConnell said. Additionally, one firefighter suffered second-degree burns to his neck, two other firefighters had hand or wrist injuries and another firefighter suffered a medical episode, he said.
McConnell said a hoarding situation at the house made it difficult for firefighters to get the blaze under control.
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