Jeff Goldman
nj.com
(TNS)
Six people were injured and eight families lost their homes Wednesday when a fire gutted a large Victorian house a short distance from where workers were preparing for an evening fireworks display, authorities said.
The fire broke out just after 5:30 p.m. on the front side of the house converted into apartment units at 61-63 Water Street, the Perth Amboy Fire Department said. The fire spread due to gusty winds blowing off Raritan Bay.
New of the fire was first reported by Perth Amboy local scoop, a Facebook site for local news.
Police officers rescued four people from the upper floors in the rear of the residence as firefighters began battling the blaze. It took firefighters about five hours to fully extinguish the blaze.
Four civilians were injured, one seriously. That person is now in stable condition, the fire department said Friday. Two police officers were treated for smoke inhalation.
The city’s fireworks display was held as planned at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday along the waterfront. Bands were playing and food trucks were serving customers as firefighters battled the fire a short distance away.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire officials said the house fire was not in the immediate vicinity of the fireworks display and appeared to be unrelated to the celebration about a half-mile away.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the families affected by the fire on Water Street,” Perth Amboy mayor Helmin Caba said in a statement. “During this challenging time, we stand united as a city.”
The Red Cross is helping the eight families who resided in the building.
“We believe this event will bring our city together in a spirit of support and solidarity,” the mayor said.
Anyone with information or video of the fire is asked to call the Perth Amboy Fire Department at 732-324-3500 or Perth Amboy police at 732-324-3800.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
©2024 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit nj.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
