By: Richard L. Smith
More than 50 firefighters from Orange and neighboring communities are battling a massive five-alarm fire that erupted Saturday morning at a building in the 200 block of Park Place, prompting evacuations, defensive firefighting operations, and a large mutual aid response.
Firefighters were first dispatched after police reported smoke coming from a building believed to have occupants inside just before 8:15 am.
As crews arrived, they encountered rapidly intensifying fire conditions that quickly escalated from a working fire to multiple alarms.
Command officials ordered firefighters out of the main structure and transitioned to a defensive operation as heavy fire spread throughout the first floor and threatened nearby buildings.
Evacuation orders were issued for surrounding structures while firefighters worked to prevent the flames from extending further.
Mutual aid companies from across Essex County, including Orange, West Orange, Irvington, Bloomfield, and numerous other departments, responded to assist in bringing the blaze under control. An air unit was also requested as crews continued battling the stubborn fire.
Officials also reported a downed power line in front of the main fire building, adding another hazard for emergency responders working at the scene.
The incident was later upgraded to a fifth alarm as additional firefighters and equipment were called in to support ongoing operations.
At this time, there have been no confirmed reports of injuries. Earlier emergency radio transmissions indicated EMS was requested to the command post, but authorities have not released any information indicating that anyone was injured.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
This is a developing story. RLS Media is following the situation closely and will provide updates as additional information becomes available