By: Richard L. Smith
Newark firefighters battled an intense early-morning fire that tore through a vacant residence and extended to a neighboring building in the city's West Ward Wednesday.
According to preliminary reports, firefighters were dispatched shortly before 4 a.m. to the area of 180 16th Avenue, near South 11th Street, after receiving reports of a building fire.
Crews arrived and found a vacant two-and-a-half-story dwelling heavily involved in flames. Reports indicated that the property had been the scene of previous fires.
As flames intensified through the upper portions of the structure, fire officials called for an "all hands" response, with crews initially conducting exterior operations using several handlines, two deck guns and ladder pipes.
The fire eventually extended to a similar neighboring structure, prompting firefighters to continue attacking the flames from outside while attempting to prevent additional spread.
At one point, command ordered firefighters out of the buildings so powerful master streams from ladder pipes could be directed toward flames pushing through the roof areas.
After nearly an hour of operations, firefighters made significant progress, and the blaze was declared under control at approximately 4:43 a.m.
There were no immediate reports of injuries.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.