Newark Firefighter Burned Battling Blaze; 23 People Relocated

NEWARK, NJ — A Newark firefighter suffered second-degree burns while battling a house blaze on Wednesday. The fire forced 19 adults and four children to relocate, authorities said.

According to the Newark Department of Public Safety, firefighters responded to 626 South 20th Street around 4:30 p.m. On arrival, crews found “heavy fire” coming from the first floor of the three-story residence.

A second alarm was sounded shortly afterwards. In all, about 70 firefighters responded to the scene.

Two multi-family homes were affected by the fire before it was put under control at 5:40 p.m., authorities said.

The injured firefighter suffered second-degree burns to his neck. He was transported to University Hospital for treatment. No other injuries have been reported, authorities said.

The Newark Department of Public Safety’s Arson Unit is investigating the cause and origin of the blaze, authorities said.

“I’m extremely thankful that the injured firefighter is being treated and that his condition is currently reported as stable,” Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara said. “I commend him and all responding members of the Newark Fire Division for their bravery in working tirelessly to contain and extinguish this fire.”

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