Shown above is damage to a woman’s Motorized Wheelchair which is speculated to have started the fire.
*Photo by Joe Bayona

PERTH AMBOY – Statement from Perth Amboy Fire Department Chief Abraham Pitre: The Fire Department was dispatched to 775 Chamberlain Ave Apt 4 around 12:17 p.m. for a reported smoke condition called in by a home health aide who was checking on a client. Fire Chief Abraham Pitre arrived on location and  the health aide advised him that there was smoke in the apartment and that the resident  was still inside the apartment. When Chief Pitre opened the door to the apartment door he  encountered heavy smoke and high heat conditions.  Chief Pitre attempted to make an entry to locate the resident but encountered fire after entering several feet. Shortly thereafter other fire units arrived on location Chief Pitre grabbed a fire extinguisher as the firefighters got their equipment; Chief Pitre entered the apartment once more and extinguished most of the fire.  Crews then entered and removed the 70 year old victim who was located in bed and suffered severe burns.  The resident was treated by EMS from Raritan Bay Medical Center and was transported to St. Barnabas Burn Center by helicopter with burns over 50% of her body.   The origin of the fire was determined to be on the seat of her motorized wheelchair but the ignition is still undetermined.