NEWARK, NJ – Multiple families were displaced and two Newark firefighters were injured in a blaze at a home in the city on Monday.
On Monday, Newark firefighters responded to a significant 2-alarm fire at 76 Barbara Street, as reported by Newark Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé. The incident, which drew an urgent response, began around 8:10 p.m. with a fire originating in the basement of a three-story occupied building.
Efforts to contain the fire escalated quickly as a second alarm was sounded to prevent the blaze from spreading to an adjacent building at 74 Barbara Street. The firefighting team faced intense conditions resulting in injuries; two firefighters were transported to University Hospital.
One suffered cuts on his arm, and the other sustained injuries to his leg and ankle due to a staircase collapse. Both are reported to be in stable condition. Additionally, two other firefighters were treated at the scene for heat exhaustion but remained on duty.
The fire was successfully brought under control by 8:55 p.m. As a result of the incident, 24 residents of the building, comprising 19 adults and five children, were relocated to ensure their safety.