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Six-Alarm Fire Displaces 39 in East Newark; Community Rallies to Help
A six-alarm fire tore through a residential block in East Newark, destroying 18 units across six connected homes and displacing 39 people in Hudson County’s smallest municipality.
The fire broke out on President Street and escalated from a four-alarm to a six-alarm blaze, according to the borough. No injuries were reported. The cause remains under investigation.
In response, the borough declared a State of Local Disaster Emergency to free up resources for the affected families. Firefighters from across Hudson County and beyond responded, including departments from Harrison, Kearny, Hoboken, Bayonne, Secaucus, Jersey City, Newark, and North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue, along with county agencies and mutual aid partners.
The borough credited the quick actions of East Newark Public Works employee Juan Romero Garcia and off-duty police officer Jaydon Fiori during the emergency.
The American Red Cross responded to provide shelter, food, and essential services to those displaced, and Hudson County family services and the office of Congressman Rob Menendez helped secure hotel accommodations and connect families with additional support.
The borough said it is collecting gift card donations, which it called the fastest way to help families replace necessities. Gift cards can be dropped off at Borough Hall, 34 Sherman Avenue, during business hours. Residents interested in donating furniture or larger household items, which families will need as they secure permanent housing, can email the borough at info@boroughofeastnewark.com.
“Our community demonstrated what it means to stand together,” the borough said in a statement thanking the responders, businesses, and residents who helped.
