A devastating fire has destroyed a row of homes in New Jersey. Authorities are investigating whether the blaze was caused by people illegally occupying vacant houses nearby.
Irvington and Newark fire departments responded to a large three-alarm fire in Newark around 5 p.m. Tuesday, according to reports. ABC7.
The blaze tore through five homes on Montgomery Avenue, about nine miles from Newark Liberty International Airport, producing thick black smoke that could be seen 32 miles away.
The fire intensified and flames spread to trees around the house, utility poles, and cars in the driveway.
Firefighters were seen working relentlessly to bring the fast-moving fire under control, but faced several challenges in their battle against the inferno.
Officials said firefighters encountered a drop in water pressure and at least one fire hydrant had shut down. In addition, strong winds made it difficult to extinguish the fire, ABC 7 reported.
Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control just before 7 p.m.
An elderly man was taken to University Hospital for medical issues unrelated to the fire, but no other injuries were reported.
However, five homes were destroyed and nine families, including 27 adults and four children, were left homeless.
The fire started in a vacant house in the middle of a residential area, bled from the roof, and spread to neighboring houses.
ABC 7 reports that fire officials are investigating whether the large fire may have been started by squatters, who may have taken over the vacant property.
An unidentified person told the outlet that complaints had previously been lodged about squatters hanging out in abandoned houses.
A young mother who was evacuated by the fire with her young son recalled the moment she saw the fire start.
“He was sleeping and I was undressing to take a shower,” Naland Jean said. ABC7.
“I was tired so I just laid down for a little while. I hear someone knocking on my door. Say 'Hey!'”
Jean then picked up her son and ran out of the house in search of safety.
Residents are thankful no one was injured or killed in the raging inferno, but as they watch their homes go up in smoke, they continue to wonder what to do next. are.
“We are gathering information from the family and beginning to care for them based on their needs,” Mike Minnell, a member of the American Red Cross, told the outlet.
“Especially so regarding tonight's urgent needs.”
