Retired fire chief, step-son injured in Mt. Ephraim fire

MT. EPHRAIM, N.J. (WPVI) -- A retired Camden City fire chief and his step-son were both injured in a house fire in Mt. Ephraim, New Jersey.

Firefighters were called to the 100 block of Third Avenue in Mt. Ephraim at 9:55 a.m. Wednesday.

The home is owned by retired Camden City Fire Chief Joseph Marini. He suffered from smoke inhalation and is listed in stable condition.

Marini's stepson, Matt, however, was taken to the Temple University Hospital Burn Center where he is listed in critical condition.

Action News says Matt was doing work in the basement when a fire ignited. He was burned badly and Marini tried to help but the flames moved too fast.

Marini was able to escape but when firefighters arrived they had to pull Matt to safety.

Crews declared the fire under control at 10:20 a.m.

According to Camden County Chief Fire Marshal Paul Sandrock, the cause of the fire appears to be accidental but remains under investigation.