Township firefighters responding to the Rucci's home confined the fire to the bedroom where Joseph Rucci, who is a quadriplegic, lay injured in bed. Mr. Rucci was said to be a heavy smoker and cigarette butts and ash trays were found around the bed. He was transported to Cooper Hospital by ambulance.
Because of evidence of smoking, the fire is believed to be accidental. The Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office's arson and explosion unit, the Deptford and Gloucester County fire marshals and the Deptford Police Department are investigating.
A firefighter and two township police officers who responded to the fire were treated for smoke inhalation.
