Dozens of residents displaced after fire tears through 3 homes in Roselle, New Jersey
ROSELLE, New Jersey (WABC) -- Three dozen displaced residents are now picking up the pieces after a five-alarm fire gutted several homes in Union County, New Jersey on Monday.
Tuesday morning, firefighters were still at the site, targeting smoking hot spot areas.
The large fire broke out at one of the two-unit homes on the 300 block of East Ninth Avenue near Chandler Avenue in Roselle around 5 p.m., before spreading to two others.
Neighbors who watched their homes go up in flames will try and salvage what they can.
Janylle Ramirez came home from work Monday night to the fire engulfing her family's home, as well the two others next door.
"Flames on the attic, on all three houses. Everything was on fire... it was terrible. Like, I cried my heart out," Ramirez said.
Fire crews from multiple municipalities battled the blaze for hours. Ladders extended overhead as firefighters poured gallons of water onto the structure.
"Due to the volume of fire and rapid spread, crews established an exterior attack and began operating multiple hose lines to protect exposures and bring the fire under control," said Roselle Fire Chief Christopher Laba.
The Roselle Police Department, Office of Emergency Management, the American Red Cross and several county agencies were also at the scene to ensure the safe relocation and support of affected residents.
No residents were hurt, but a firefighter sustained a minor arm injury according to the Roselle Fire Department.
Ramirez says she is grateful her family and upstairs neighbors got out safely, but she rescues cats, and five of them are still missing.
"I hope they got out, you know? I don't know. I got an 8-week-old kitten in there. I don't know," Ramirez said.
Neighbors on the block stood across the street watching in a shocked and saddened awe all night. Shondi Terry and her family were worried the flames would hop to her home a few doors down.
"It was bad. You saw all the black smoke in the air when you came," Terry said. "I saw you just saw the house on fire. You heard the glass shattering like the boom. It was it was a mess," said Shondi Terry.
There's no word yet on the cause.
"Due to the size and complexity of the fire, the incident is currently under investigation to determine the cause and origin," Fire Chief Laba said. "After speaking with Mayor Shaw, we are coordinating efforts to provide assistance to all affected families. Please keep these families in your thoughts during this difficult time."
The Red Cross also says it expects to assist 38 people from eight families impacted by the fire. They will receive emergency assistance including temporary housing, clothing and food.
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