By: Richard L. Smith
A fast-moving fire in Newark’s South Ward displaced several families Saturday evening after flames spread to multiple homes and nearby brush, according to city officials.
Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda said firefighters were dispatched at approximately 5:03 p.m. to reports of a fire at 933 South 19th Street.
Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy fire conditions, prompting officials to immediately upgrade the incident to a second alarm as flames extended to neighboring homes at 935 and 931 South 19th Street.
Firefighters also battled a brush fire that ignited in the backyard of 922 South 19th Street and extinguished a smaller fire at 918 South 19th Street.
Officials said firefighters worked aggressively to prevent further damage as smoke filled the residential block.
No injuries were reported in the incident.
However, four families consisting of 16 adults and four children were displaced and relocated following the fire.
The main body of the fire was declared under control at approximately 6:31 p.m.
The cause and origin of the blaze remain under investigation by the Newark Department of Public Safety’s Arson Unit.