A dryer fire and subsequent sprinkler activation in a Lakewood apartment was cause for several families being displaced last night, TLS has learned.

At approximately 11 PM, residents woke up to their smoke alarm sounding, and found smoke billowing from their dryer.

The resident immediately called the Fire Department, and then opened the door to the dryer to try grabbing some of burning clothing articles to place them into a bathtub, but burned his hand in the process, officials confirm.

By this time, the apartment’s sprinkler system was activated, and extinguished the fire, but not before soaking the residence, and the apartments beneath, officials say.

The fire department arrived, and ventilated the apartment.

The families from at least three apartments were displaced, sources told TLS.

The resident was treated at the scene by Lakewood First Aid.

Ocean County Fire Marshals determined the dryer was caused by being overloaded with clothing, officials say.

[TLS-58]

KPICASA_GALLERY(DryerFire#)