NEED TO KNOW
- Nearly 40 people were injured in a three-alarm fire that broke out at an apartment building in East Orange, N.J., on Jan. 11, according to the city’s mayor
- Multiple people “were hanging out of windows” when crews arrived at the scene around 6:15 a.m. local time, one official said
- At least 80 people were displaced by the blaze, which some residents claimed may have been set intentionally
Nearly 40 people were injured in a three-alarm fire at an apartment building in New Jersey.
Fire crews responded to the scene at 85 Washington St. in East Orange at about 6:15 a.m. local time on Sunday, Jan. 11, according to a statement from Mayor Ted R. Green.
Many of the 31 families who live in the building were trapped when firefighters arrived at the scene, according to CW affiliate WPIX.
David Williams, director of the East Orange Office of Emergency Management (OEM), told WPIX that multiple people “were hanging out of windows,” so firefighters had to use tower ladders to rescue them.
“It was very dramatic,” Williams said.
Sal Robinson, a resident of the building, told WPIX he was met with “pitch black smoke” when he entered one of the hallways. He and others were forced to go down six flights of stairs to escape.
“I couldn’t see or breathe,” said Robinson. “Nothing. It was pitch black.”
An estimated 38 people, including two firefighters, “were transported to area hospitals for evaluation and care,” according to the mayor.
The two firefighters sustained minor injuries, WPIX reported.
At least 80 people were displaced by the blaze, according to Patch and WPIX.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, Green said in his statement.
Some residents of the building have reported that the fire may have been sparked by someone who intentionally lit their mattress on fire, according to WPIX.
“We heard the reports too,” Williams told the station. “And our arson team is investigating.”
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Green applauded firefighters “for an extraordinary rescue effort under extremely dangerous conditions” during Sunday’s response.
The mayor also thanked the mutual aid companies from six nearby townships that assisted East Orange firefighters with the blaze, stating, “we are deeply grateful for that partnership and support.”
Green said his office “is actively supporting residents and addressing their needs” in coordination with the East Orange Office of Emergency Management, the American Red Cross and other departments.
“Our focus remains on safety, accountability, and continuing to stand with our residents as they move forward,” he concluded.
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