UPDATE: Good Samaritans Help Rescue Families from Raging Fire in Elizabethport

By: Richard L. Smith 

A fierce multi-alarm fire tore through a residential building in Elizabethport on Thursday afternoon, displacing 20 people from seven families—but thanks to the quick and selfless actions of three Good Samaritans, a potential tragedy was averted.

The fire broke out just before 4:50 p.m. at 134 Ripley Street, sending heavy flames shooting from the upper floors of a three-story building. 

Firefighters arrived to find the structure fully engulfed and quickly struck a second alarm for additional manpower.

As crews stretched multiple hose lines and began attacking the blaze, flames began spreading to two neighboring homes.

 A third alarm was eventually called as firefighters worked urgently to contain the fast-moving fire.

While fire crews battled the inferno, three local residents sprang into action. Before emergency responders arrived, the Good Samaritans entered the burning building and helped evacuate several residents, including children, preventing what officials said could have been a devastating loss of life.

“Without their quick response, the outcome may have been far worse,” one official at the scene told RLS Media, praising the citizens for their bravery.

The American Red Cross responded to assist the displaced families, offering shelter, food, and support. 

Firefighters brought the blaze under control in about an hour. No serious injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.