A large fire in an apartment building in East Orange, New Jersey, left over 30 individuals injured on Sunday morning. The incident occurred shortly after 6:15 a.m. at a residential complex located on Washington Street.
Details of the Incident
When firefighters arrived, they were met with heavy smoke and flames emanating from the first floor. Eyewitness video footage captured thick, grey smoke pouring out of the building’s windows.
Casualties and Evacuations
Emergency services transported at least 36 people to nearby hospitals for medical evaluation. Among those injured were two firefighters, who sustained minor injuries while working to control the blaze.
- Time of fire outbreak: 6:15 a.m.
- Location: Washington Street, East Orange
- Injured individuals: At least 36
- Firefighters injured: 2 (minor injuries)
Residents were initially uncertain about evacuating their apartments. Some believed they could remain in their lower-floor units, but ultimately, all tenants were instructed to evacuate. Survivors recounted the harrowing escape, describing the stairwell as pitch black and the difficulty of covering their mouths with wet cloths to block out the smoke.
One resident, Amman Rickets, shared the challenges faced by his elderly mother, who uses a wheelchair. As firefighters attempted to rescue her from a window, complications arose, forcing them to consider carrying her down the stairs amidst thick smoke.
Fire Response and Aftermath
East Orange Fire Chief Andre Williams informed the public that multiple rescues were carried out from windows. Additional support came from neighboring fire departments as mutual aid was deployed to tackle the situation.
The fire was officially brought under control by around 7:50 a.m. In the aftermath, the Red Cross dispatched a team of disaster responders to assist those affected by the fire. Fire officials are currently investigating the cause of the blaze.
