By: Richard L. Smith
Firefighters in East Orange rescued several residents from a seven-story apartment building after a serious fire broke out early Sunday morning.
The fire was reported in the basement of 85 Washington Street, where crews arrived to find heavy flames pushing from the lower level and extending upward as high as the sixth floor.
A second, then a third alarm was signaled for manpower while crews went to work attempting to extinguish the fire.
Firefighters, assisted by mutual aid departments, quickly stretched multiple hose lines and began an aggressive attack on the fire to stop it from spreading.
Several occupants were safely evacuated from the building as crews worked to contain the blaze. Fortunately, no serious injuries were immediately reported.
The American Red Cross responded to assist displaced residents with food, temporary lodging, and other essential needs.
Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in less than an hour. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.