By: Richard L. Smith
The Newark Fire Division responded to two separate structure fires on North 5th Street Saturday evening, both of which were upgraded to second-alarm incidents, according to Emanuel Miranda, Director of the Newark Department of Public Safety.
The first fire was reported at approximately 7:26 p.m. at 453 North 5th Street. Firefighters arrived to find active fire conditions, prompting a second-alarm response.
The fire was brought under control by 7:50 p.m. No injuries were reported, though three adults were displaced and relocated as a result of the incident.
Roughly ten minutes later, at about 7:36 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to a second fire at 207 North 5th Street.
That blaze was also upgraded to a second alarm. During operations, two firefighters sustained minor injuries from falling debris and were transported to University Hospital for evaluation.
The fire was declared under control at 8:42 p.m. Five adults and six children were displaced and relocated following the incident.
Authorities say the causes and origins of both fires remain under investigation by the Newark Department of Public Safety’s Arson Unit.
No additional details were immediately available.