A terrifying fire tore through a New Jersey neighborhood late Friday night, leaving multiple buildings destroyed, firefighters injured, and dozens of families suddenly without homes.
The massive blaze broke out around 10:30 p.m. inside a commercial building on Jefferson Street in Newark’s Ironbound section before quickly spreading to nearby structures, including several multi-family homes.
Within minutes, the situation spiraled out of control.
Dramatic footage shows flames bursting through windows as thick smoke filled the block and alarms echoed through the night. More than 100 firefighters rushed to the scene, battling the fast-moving inferno for hours before finally getting it under control just before 3:30 a.m.
Witnesses described pure chaos.
“I saw smoke coming out of the building,” one man said. “When I got closer, families were running out with their kids and dogs. It was crazy.”
Residents say they barely had time to escape. One mother said she grabbed her two daughters and ran, while others described flames exploding through windows and spreading floor to floor in seconds.
Six firefighters were injured while fighting the blaze and were taken to the hospital, officials said.
Around 60 residents managed to escape safely, but many are now facing the devastating reality of losing their homes.
“There’s barely anything left,” one longtime resident said. “The roof collapsed… everything is gone.”
By Saturday morning, displaced families returned to what remained of their homes, sifting through debris and carrying whatever belongings they could salvage in bags.
The American Red Cross has stepped in to help several families with temporary housing, food, and clothing as they try to rebuild after the disaster.
Officials are still investigating what caused the fire.
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