House under construction erupts in flames in Avalon, N.J.

AVALON, N.J. (WPVI) -- Firefighters battled a multi-alarm blaze after flames rippled through a house under construction in Avalon, New Jersey late Thursday night.

The fire broke out around 11:00 p.m. on the 4700 block of 5th Avenue.

The blaze started in a house that was under construction then spread to an adjoined neighboring home.

One house was gutted and the other suffered smoke and fire damage.

Both properties were unoccupied, and there were no injuries.

Cold temperatures and water supply issues also caused some problems.

In addition, fire officials say that sustained winds of approximately 30mph made the fire a quick-spreading event. Embers approximately a half foot in diameter blew across the street to other homes.

In response, firefighters took the proactive measure to gain access to those homes in order to contain the fire event.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Two Avalon firefighters were treated at the scene for exposure to the cold.