Newark Firefighters battled a two-alarm fire that tore through a building in the city's South Ward on Tuesday morning.
Officials said at approximately 1:50 a.m, emergency responders were dispatched to 162 Mapes Avenue to investigate reports of a fire inside the building.
Upon arrival, firefighters stretched several lines after observing heavy flames coming from one of the apartments on the third floor of the building.
According to officials, firefighters were able to gain entry into the building where all of the apartments were evacuated.
Heavy fire continued to destroy the apartment while crews poured water on the flames, making its way into the cockloft of the ceiling.
Newark Firefighters brought the fire under control at 3:41 a.m., with the cause of the blaze under investigation.
Newark Public Safety Director Brian A. O’Hara reported that an injured firefighter was transported to University Hospital for treatment. Additionally, four police officers were transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation.
The American Red Cross assisted the 18 families, including 21 adults and 1 child who were displaced due to the fire.
This fire is under investigation by the Newark Department of Public Safety’s Arson Unit.