By: Richard L. Smith
An early morning fire in Newark’s South Ward left one man in critical condition and injured a firefighter who helped rescue him from the burning building.
According to a statement released by Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, firefighters were dispatched at approximately 3:59 a.m. Monday, March 16, to a reported fire at 319 Hawthorne Avenue.
When crews arrived, they quickly located an unresponsive man inside a first-floor apartment and removed him from the residence.
The victim was transported to University Hospital, where he is reported to be in critical condition.
During the rescue operation, a firefighter sustained burns to his hands, wrists, and face. The firefighter was also transported to University Hospital and is listed in stable condition.
Officials said no other injuries were reported. However, two adult residents were displaced as a result of the fire.
Fire crews were able to bring the blaze under control by approximately 4:18 a.m.
The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation by the Newark Department of Public Safety’s Arson Unit.