Multi-alarm fire in Union City, NJ leaves 1 resident hurt, dozens impacted
UNION CITY, New Jersey (WABC) -- Firefighters battled a four-alarm fire at an apartment building in Union City early Friday that left one resident injured and impacted dozens more.
The blaze was first reported at 5:11 a.m. in a three-story apartment building on 19th Street near Kerrigan Avenue.
Video from NewsCopter 7 showed thick smoke billowing up from the structure, creating a plume that could be seen for miles.
The blaze went to four alarms within 20 minutes as crews worked to gain the upper hand.
According to Union City Mayor Brian Stack, a neighbor from down the street "went into the building to do rescue, to pull people out."
One resident was hospitalized to be treated for burns, Stack said, and a couple of pets died in the fire.
Two police officers were treated for smoke inhalation.
All three floors sustained heavy fire damage, and part of the building collapsed.
The American Red Cross is now assisting 11 families and a total of 52 people impacted by the fire.
Several streets in the area, including Kennedy Boulevard, were closed for firefighting activity.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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