ATLANTIC CITY--Tragedy was averted in Atlantic City after emergency crews safely evacuated a high-rise apartment complex after fire broke out on the 9th floor.


"It's scary, it was very scary." There were tense moments for residents at the Inlet Towers in Atlantic City, after fire broke out on the 9th floor late this morning. "The alarm went off in our building, which is a good thing," said resident Vera Wells, "and then you could smell the smoke."

"I looked and then all of a sudden they told me, Diane, run run run," said Diane Ortiz who lives on the 11th floor.

Officials say more than 150 people were evacuated from the high-rise, which mainly houses senior citizens and people with special needs. Emergency crews assisted with getting people out while others worked to put the fire out. "Obviously, it takes all of our manpower that we have here in Atlantic City," said Battalion Chief, Michael Mooney, with the Atlantic City Fire Department, "it's just a time consuming, very physical job."

A triage area was set up in the street, where officials say six residents were treated. One person was transported to a local hospital for further medical assistance. But, even those who were physically OK, were emotionally shaken up over the situation. "I'm very upset about this fire," said Wells, "this is the fourth fire that I've been in."

But, officials say everyone, and their pets made it out OK.

Officials say the fire was mainly confined to just one unit, but say the smoke and water damage is pretty substantial from the 9th to the 14th floors, and because of that it's unknown how many people are displaced or for how long. "The majority of them are being sequestered over in Jefferies Towers," said Mooney, "which is the building right behind them."

Authorities say it was a bad fire that could've been a lot worse, but thanks to team work and quick actions, the three-alarm fire was quickly knocked down.

Authorities say after investigating, the fire was electrical and is not suspicious, even though there was a small fire in the same unit just last month that was ruled accidental after the occupant was allegedly smoking in bed.

Officials now say 45 people will have to be relocated by the Red Cross and the Atlantic City Housing Authority.