UPDATE: Red Cross Assists 11 Residents After House Fire in Newark's West Ward

By: Richard L. Smith 

The American Red Cross is assisting 11 residents from two families following a fast-moving house fire that damaged a home in Newark’s West Ward Thursday evening.

Firefighters were dispatched to the 300 block of Smith Street shortly before 6 p.m. after reports of a residential blaze. 

Upon arrival, crews found active flames inside a two-and-a-half-story wood-framed home. 

Firefighters quickly stretched a hose line and located the source of the fire, bringing it under control in less than 30 minutes.

A search of the residence confirmed that no one was trapped or injured during the incident.

The American Red Cross stated that it responded to the scene and provided displaced residents with temporary housing, food, clothing, and other essential emergency resources.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by local fire officials.