Howell Fire Displaces 35 Residents

35 Howell residents are displaced after flames gutted 11 units at the Countryside Place Apartments yesterday afternoon, according to fire officials. No one was injured. 

The Asbury Park Press reports the blaze broke out around 2:30 p.m. on North American Drive, causing smoke and water damage to a portion of the two-story building. Fire officials said the outcome could have been much worse and credited the complex's sprinkler system for preventing the flames from spreading.

Firefighters had the blaze under control by 4 p.m., but crews remained at the scene until about 6;30 pm, officials told the APP.

The cause is is under investigation by the Howell Township Fire Bureau and the Monmouth County Fire Marshal's Office.

The Red Cross was brought in to help displaced tenants find shelter.