By: Richard L. Smith
A devastating fire broke out Saturday evening in Irvington Township, displacing 77 people and prompting a large-scale response from area fire departments and emergency agencies.
The blaze ignited just before 6 p.m. in the 400 block of 21st Street, quickly spreading through a row of attached homes.
Township officials said, flames appeared to have originating at the rear of one residence rapidly extending to at least four homes, including some across the street.
Firefighters from Irvington, Newark, and neighboring towns responded to the scene, stretching as many as seven hose lines to contain the intense fire.
Crews battled heavy flames for hours as the fire threatened to overtake multiple structures.
The American Red Cross Disaster Action Team assisted 28 families, totaling 77 people, by providing emergency shelter, food, clothing, and other essential support to meet their immediate needs.
No serious injuries were reported, but officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which remains active and ongoing.
Authorities have not yet released a timeline for when residents may be able to return to assess the damage.