Firefighter critically injured fighting massive Newark fire

NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A Newark firefighter is in critical condition after being injured while fighting a massive fire at a tire shop Saturday night.

Officials say 38-year-old Paul Leber responded to the building on Park Avenue along with other members of Engine 7, including a probationary firefighter, after the fire broke out shortly after 9 p.m.

As conditions worsened, they were ordered out of the building. As they were exiting, Leber became disoriented and members of Engine 7 and Rescue 1 went back into the building with other firefighters and rescued him.

Leber, a 10-year veteran, was initially transported to University Hospital for treatment and was later moved to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx.

The fire was declared under control shortly after 11 p.m.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by arson detectives from the Newark Fire Division.