A fire at a residential building in Jersey City led to multiple rescues, injuries, and the displacement of families on Wednesday afternoon.
The Jersey City Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at 154 Summit Ave. at approximately 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to public safety spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione.
When firefighters arrived, they encountered a working fire inside the structure. Crews entered the building and began rescue operations while working to contain the fire and prevent further extension.
As additional resources arrived, the incident was eventually raised to three alarms.
- Jersey City firefighters rescued three people, one cat, and one dog during a three-alarm fire at 154 Summit Ave. around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11.
- Five people were injured, including four residents with non-life-threatening injuries and a fire captain who fell and struck his head during operations.
- The fire appears to have started in a car parked a few feet from the building, and nine adults and two children were displaced and relocated with assistance from the American Red Cross.
Residents Pulled From Second-Floor Window During Rescue
Firefighters removed three people from the building during the emergency response. Two residents were rescued from a window on the second floor. Firefighters moved them onto a porch roof before bringing them to the ground using an aerial ladder.
During the operation, firefighters also rescued a cat and a dog from the building. The rescue effort continued while crews worked inside the structure to control the flames.
Five Injured Including Fire Captain During Suppression Efforts
The incident left five people injured, including residents and a firefighter.
Four residents were transported to a local hospital by ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries, which largely appeared to involve smoke inhalation.
During fire suppression operations, a captain fell and struck his head. The captain was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Fire Possibly Began In Car Parked Near Building
Authorities said the fire appears to have started in a car parked within a few feet of the building at 154 Summit Ave. Investigators are continuing to examine the cause of the blaze.
Firefighters later brought the fire under control and contained it to a single building, according to officials.
The incident displaced residents living in the structure. Authorities said nine adults and two children are being relocated with assistance from the American Red Cross following the fire.
