A fire apparently broke out in the basement of a single-family home around 1:30 a.m.
Flames quickly raced through the structure as the local fire department arrived on the scene.
A woman on the rooftop was afraid to come down so, the fire department extended a ladder to help 27-year-old Yaritza Perez escape.
The rest of the family got out safely, including the family dog Mina, who escaped unharmed.
The fire did extensive damage to the structure at 489 Richard Way.
Firefighters from the nearby towns of Plainfield and Watchung offered mutual aide in knocking down the fire and bringing it under control.
Workers came Friday afternoon and quickly boarded up the house.
A worker told Eyewitness News there is so much damage inside the structure, it could take up to a year to rebuild.
But the family made it out alive and safe and that's all that matters.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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