A massive four-alarm fire in Bayonne, New Jersey, left 21 people displaced and destroyed multiple homes. Learn about the incident, the response from emergency services, and the ongoing support for affected residents.
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- A massive four-alarm fire in Bayonne, NJ, displaced 21 residents and led to the demolition of three homes.
- The fire caused extensive damage to power outages and prompted assistance from nearby fire departments.
- The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with no reported injuries.
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Four-Alarm Blaze Engulfs Homes on West 11th Street
On a quiet Friday evening (June 7), a fire erupted in Bayonne, New Jersey, displacing nearly two dozen people and causing extensive damage.
The blaze started around 10:40 p.m. on West 11th Street and quickly escalated to a four-alarm fire.
Firefighters from Bayonne, Jersey City, and surrounding Hudson County communities responded to the scene as heavy flames engulfed three homes.
Quick Response and Evacuations in Bayonne Fire
Bayonne Battalion Chief Frank Pawlowski described the rapid spread of the fire, which took over three hours to control.
By 1:40 a.m. on Saturday, firefighters had subdued the flames. Local residents expressed their relief that the fire did not spread further.
“Suddenly, you hear the banging of the door as police came to clear everybody out,” one resident recalled.
“My wife looked out the window, and we could see sparks from the fire coming in front of our window, so we grabbed the dog and the baby and made it out.”
Extensive Damage and Power Outages from Bayonne Fire
The intense heat from the fire not only destroyed the affected homes but also caused severe damage to nearby properties.
Cars across the street were scorched, and an electrical pole caught fire, leading to power outages for hundreds of residents. The utility company PSE&G restored power by Saturday.
Due to the extensive damage, three houses on West 11th Street were demolished on Saturday afternoon.
Officials also evacuated residents from two neighboring homes as a precaution. Three homes were damaged or destroyed, displacing 21 people.
“The original fire building and the two adjoining have been declared imminent hazards by the building department. So nobody’s allowed back in,” explained Junior Ferrante from the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management.
Eyewitness Accounts and Firefighters’ Efforts
Neighbors shared their harrowing experiences during the fire. One man described how quickly the fire spread to his home, “The neighbor’s house was on fire, and by the time you know it, our house was on fire. Bad, bad. Might, possibly, tear down.“
Firefighters faced challenges due to the advanced fire conditions within the structures. “They had to distance themselves and advance their initial handlines,” explained Chief Pawlowski.
“Because of the fire conditions and the advanced fire conditions within the walls of the structures, we had to pull everything out and go to the offensive.”
Community Aid & Investigation Following Bayonne Fire
The Red Cross has stepped in to provide temporary housing, food, and other necessities to the displaced residents. Their swift response ensured that the affected families received immediate support.
Fire Chief Keith Weaver mentioned that the cause of the fire is still under investigation but does not appear suspicious.
Despite the rapid spread of the fire, no injuries were reported, which officials consider miraculous given the circumstances.
The community of Bayonne continues to rally around those affected by the fire, with ongoing support and investigations ensuring a thorough response to this devastating event.
