By: Richard L. Smith
Firefighters from across Essex County were met with a daunting challenge as they battled a rapidly spreading fire that consumed the vacant Center Meats Market in Orange on Monday evening.
The blaze erupted around 7:15 p.m. at 32 North Center Street, adjacent to the NJ Transit Morris/Essex train lines.
Orange firefighters were the first to respond, arriving to find the building engulfed in thick smoke and towering flames.
The intensity of the fire prompted fire officials to issue four alarms, summoning additional manpower and fire companies from neighboring regions to join the fight.
To facilitate the firefighting efforts, NJ Transit halted train services, allowing firefighters unrestricted access to the area for pouring water on the flames.
Fire crews deployed over five lines and utilized specialized equipment to douse the blaze from overhead.
Fortunately, as of 9:30 p.m., no injuries have been reported, and firefighters continued to battle the blaze.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the circumstances that led to this extensive fire.
IMAGE CREDIT: CBS2