Investigators say fire started in kitchen
By: Michael Arges and John Patten
EAST WINDSOR – The fire that killed Louise M. Kerner, 50, of Avon Drive Sunday morning started in the apartment’s kitchen, according to East Windsor Fire Official Kevin Brink.
The investigation of the fire concluded it was the result of an appliance overheating, perhaps being left on too long.
According to East Windsor police, the fire broke out at about 1:53 a.m. July 16. Police say several emergency calls at that time reported smoke and flames in the U-1 unit on Avon Drive.
By the time emergency crews arrived, the building was already engulfed in smoke and flames. All occupants from the 15 units in the complex were evacuated.
In addition to the fatality, one volunteer fire fighter with East Windsor Fire Compnay #2 received an ankle injury, one resident received lacerations to the hand and two residents were hospitalized due to smoke inhalation.
All of the units in the U-1 building remain unoccupiable, due either to extensive smoke and water damage or lack of utility services which were shut off to the building.
Volunteers with the American Red Cross are at the scene, providing assistance to the homeless residents.
At the peak of the fire fighting efforts, 11 fire companies and three rescue squads were on hand. Responding fire companies included East Windsor Fire Co. #2, East Windsor Fire Co. #1, Hightstown, Cranbury, West Windsor, Hope Fire Company of Allentown, Washington Township Fire Co., Plainboro, Princeton Junction, Nottingham and Applegarth Fire Companies. East Windsor Rescue #2, Rescue #1 and Hightstown Rescue squads were also present.