A four‑alarm fire broke out just before noon on Wednesday at 40 President Street in East Newark, New Jersey, impacting at least five and possibly six adjacent buildings. The blaze prompted an immediate multi‑jurisdictional response, with fire units from Jersey City, Newark, Harrison and Kearny joining local East Newark crews.

Rapid response and heroic actions

According to town officials, a Department of Public Works employee was on President Street when he saw a resident fleeing a burning structure. The worker quickly assisted the individual, removing burning clothing and helping the person reach safety. At least one person was transported to a hospital for possible burn injuries.

Impact on residents

Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud noise before flames erupted, forcing many neighbors to evacuate with only the clothes on their backs. “I was working, heard a noise, went down… fire. Had to take my dog out,” resident Cesar Anicama told Eyewitness News. He added that displaced families now face the challenge of finding temporary housing, securing new phones and replacing important documents.

Another resident, Esther Figueroa, noted a possible electrical issue prior to the fire: “When I got here, the transformer was smoking. That’s why we all came out hearing the sirens.” Power outages were reported in the immediate area as crews worked to restore service.

Damage assessment

Preliminary assessments indicate varying levels of damage across the affected structures. Some buildings suffered primarily water damage from firefighting efforts, while others were charred from the inside out. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Community assistance

The American Red Cross has activated its local response, estimating that about 18 families could be affected. A senior center has been converted into a reception hub where displaced residents can receive basic necessities, clothing and information about further assistance.

Local officials continue to coordinate with state and regional agencies to ensure that displaced families receive the support they need while the investigation proceeds.

Looking ahead

East Newark leaders emphasized the importance of community resilience and urged residents to stay informed through official channels. The town will hold a follow‑up meeting next week to discuss recovery plans, address power restoration timelines and review fire safety measures to prevent future incidents.

Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.