Newark Fire Destroys 5 Homes, Displaces 9 Families: Investigators Suspect Squatters

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Written By Richard Perdomo

A devastating fire in Newark, New Jersey, has left five homes destroyed and nine families displaced, as firefighters continue to investigate whether squatters in a vacant home were responsible for the blaze.

The three-alarm fire broke out around 5 p.m. on Tuesday on Montgomery Avenue, near Newark Liberty International Airport, and quickly spread to surrounding homes, trees, a utility pole, and a car.

Firefighters from Irvington and Newark faced significant challenges in battling the fast-moving inferno, including low water pressure, a dead hydrant, and strong winds. Despite their efforts, it took them until just before 7 p.m. to bring the fire under control.

Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, though an elderly man was taken to the hospital for an unrelated health issue.

The fire reportedly began in a vacant home in the middle of the residential street, and officials are now looking into whether squatters living in the abandoned property may have sparked the blaze. Residents had previously filed complaints about squatters occupying the home.

One of the displaced residents, Nallande Jean, described her terrifying experience as she grabbed her infant son and rushed out of their home for safety when the fire broke out.

Despite the relief that no lives were lost, the affected families are now left to rebuild their lives after losing their homes and belongings.

The American Red Cross is working with the displaced families to provide immediate assistance.

 

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