Newark FFs rescue trapped residents in apartment blaze

One child suffered smoke inhalation and several trapped tenants were rescued in the blaze at a four-story apartment building

May 14, 2020 11:14 AM

Newark firefighters rescued several trapped residents during an apartment blaze on Thursday morning. One child was hospitalized for smoke inhalation.

Anthony G. Attrino
NJ Advance Media Group, Edison, N.J.

NEWARK — One child suffered smoke inhalation Thursday and firefighters rescued several tenants trapped in a four-story apartment fire in Newark, authorities said.

Firefighters responded about 1:40 a.m. to a two-alarm fire at 400 Irvine Turner Boulevard, according to Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose.

“Fire was found in a first-floor apartment and had extended to the upper floors,” Ambrose said, adding that when the second alarm was called in around 1:50 a.m. about 70 firefighters responded.

“Firefighters evacuated trapped tenants. One adult and three children were evaluated by EMS for smoke inhalation,” Ambrose said.

Medical workers ended up taking one child to University Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

One firefighter was overcome by smoke but refused medical attention and continued working, Ambrose said.

The fire was under control by 2:24 a.m. and no other injuries were reported, Ambrose said.

Nineteen people from seven families were displaced. The city’s arson unit is investigating the cause and origin of the blaze, Ambrose said.

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