Arson task force investigating apartment building fire in Jersey City; 3 people rescued
JERSEY CITY (WABC) -- Three trapped residents were rescued from a burning apartment building in Jersey City early Wednesday morning.
The fire broke out in the basement of the Monticello Avenue 4-story apartment building just before 6 a.m.
It's still unclear what caused the flames, but residents say they're suspicious.
A first-floor tenant found duct tape that had been mysteriously placed over his doorbell camera.
He looked back at the clips and found someone hiding their face with papers as they placed tape over the camera.
"That was 11:22 last night? Eyewitness News reporter Toni Yates asked.
"Yes, I went to sleep at 8 p.m. I sleep there on the sofa," resident Angel Alvarado said.
Fire alarms went off just before 6 a.m.
Firefighters said it appears the fire started in the basement with heavy smoke traveling through all of the building's hallways.
Officials say more than 20 residents rushed to their fire escapes when thick smoke from the fire filled the building.
"To be honest with you guys, there been so many situations with this building which could have been prevented because our safety was at risk, would not be surprised if this was deliberately done," tenant Shawn Pittman said.
A few tenants said they sent numerous complaints to management and on Wednesday identified two men as the owners.
Toni Yates asked the men if they had anything to do with the building to which they replied, "No."
The men were seen several times near the building speaking with fire investigators.
Tenants shared videos and pictures of what they say were just a few of many complaints and maintenance issues at 374 Monticello in the past.
"So at the end of the day they collected our rent and they have no units for us," one tenant said.
Residents said they have texts with management about a broken security entrance door, and electricity out on an entire floor and said they have questions about how the fire started in the basement.
Firefighters said approximately 25 residents including children and babies were rescued from the fire escape.
Several dogs and other pets were also rescued.
Two residents were taken to Jersey City Medical Center for treatment. One of the victims was overcome by smoke.
A firefighter was also treated for a shoulder injury.
More than 30 residents were displaced and the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office Arson task Force is investigating this fire and information will be released once it's available.
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