Over 20 people displaced by 2-alarm fire at 2 East Orange homes

East Orange Fire Department Interim Chief Bruce Davis says all residents in the multifamily homes are safe. There were no injuries.

News 12 Staff

Jan 29, 2023, 5:29 PM

Updated 665 days ago

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More than 20 people were rescued from a fire that spread to two homes in East Orange on Sunday morning.  
According to Mayor Ted Greene, an off-duty firefighter was walking by the area when he noticed the fire and went inside the building to get people out.  
East Orange Fire Department Interim Chief Bruce Davis says all residents in the multifamily homes are safe. There were no injuries.  
Fire officials say a call came for an exterior fire between the two buildings on the corner of Central and Shepard avenues around 11 a.m. 
About 50 firefighters from East Orange, Orange, Montclair, Bloomfield, and Irvington fire departments were on scene to help extinguish the fire. 
Davis says the two-alarm fire extended up to the roof line of the buildings, which are both three-stories tall.  
Red Cross is now working with the displaced families to make sure they find immediate shelter. Mayor Green says the city is planning to find ways to support the families with any additional needs. 
The cause of the fire is not yet clear.