Nearly 40 people were injured after a three-alarm fire tore through an apartment building in East Orange, N.J.
Fire crews responded to 85 Washington St. around 6:15 a.m. local time on Sunday, Jan. 11, according to a statement from Mayor Ted R. Green.
When firefighters arrived, many of the 31 families living in the building were trapped, according to CW affiliate WPIX. David Williams, director of the East Orange Office of Emergency Management (OEM), said multiple residents “were hanging out of windows,” prompting crews to deploy tower ladders to pull people to safety.
“It was very dramatic,” Williams said.
One resident, Sal Robinson, told WPIX he encountered “pitch black smoke” after entering a hallway. He said he and others had to descend six flights of stairs to escape.
“I couldn’t see or breathe,” Robinson said. “Nothing. It was pitch black.”
In total, an estimated 38 people — including two firefighters — “were transported to area hospitals for evaluation and care,” the mayor said. The firefighters suffered minor injuries, WPIX reported.
At least 80 people were displaced by the blaze, according to Patch and WPIX.
Officials have not confirmed what caused the fire. Green said the cause remains under investigation. Some residents have suggested the fire may have started after someone intentionally set a mattress on fire, according to WPIX.
“We heard the reports too,” Williams told the station. “And our arson team is investigating.”
Green praised the firefighters for what he called “an extraordinary rescue effort under extremely dangerous conditions.” He also thanked mutual aid companies from six nearby townships that assisted at the scene, saying the city is “deeply grateful for that partnership and support.”
Green said his office is working with the East Orange Office of Emergency Management, the American Red Cross, and other departments to support displaced residents.
“Our focus remains on safety, accountability, and continuing to stand with our residents as they move forward,” he concluded.
