PINE HILL, N.J. – A massive fire ripped through an apartment building in Camden County. In Pine Hill, residents had to flee the flames and the flames spread to multiple units.

Many first responders were injured.

High winds only compounded the problem for firefighters.

“It started with the winds and all we heard was the roofs collapsing. It was terrible,” Gabrielle Rosario said.

His sister and three children live in the Konak Apartment complex. Everyone was at home when flames broke out in the building. Gabrielle, who lives nearby, came running as soon as she heard the news. “My sister was at the window and saw a burning porch. From the porch she saw the fire coming towards their window. She was screaming and tried to get her whole family out. Thank God they were able to do it just in time.”

Police said the fire occurred around 6 p.m. on the second-floor balcony of one of the apartment buildings in the 300 block of West Branch Boulevard. The fire spread rapidly from there.

Destiny Menser, who lives a few doors away, was outside with her dog when she noticed the flames. “It was huge at first. You could literally see it over the trees. I just wanted to make sure it wasn’t close to our apartment. I’m right outside, just walking my dog. Next thing I know, I see a burning building. I’ve never been this close to a fire before.”

Pine Hill Police Chief Christopher Winters said officers were going door to door warning people. In total, 16 units were destroyed, but 28 to 30 people living inside got out safely, he says.

“I think the big picture here is to see that the victims are being taken care of right now. That’s the important thing. The important thing is to go to the community center and sit down with the families with the Red Cross and make sure they have what they need right now,” Chief Winters stated.

The fire reached three alarms and it took firefighters two and a half hours to get the blaze under control. Firefighters will remain on scene until tomorrow to make sure there are no hot spots.

Five police officers and one firefighter were treated at a local hospital for smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.