By: Richard L. Smith
UPDATE 7:40 a.m.: Fatal with at least 1 dead at this time.
In a developing situation, firefighters are battling a fierce blaze that has engulfed a residence in Union Township.
The fire ignited at approximately 5:45 a.m. when fire officials received reports of a fire on the 900 block of Grandview Avenue.
Upon arrival at the scene, crews were met with heavy flames that had already taken hold of a one-and-a-half-story house and spread to neighboring properties.
Immediately recognizing the severity of the situation, fire officials quickly signaled for a second and then a third alarm to bring in additional manpower.
As the firefighters stretched multiple lines to douse the flames, another complication arose when ignited power lines fell to the ground, posing an immediate danger to the responders.
Reports say PSEG was summoned to shut off power to the area.
Due to the intensifying blaze and the risk of structural collapse, evacuation tones were sounded, and firefighters transitioned to an exterior attack.
However, at approximately 6:17 a.m., crews re-entered the structure to battle the persistent flames. As of 6:25 a.m., the fire remains uncontained.
There are reports of two victims found inside the home as of 6:30 a.m., but crews are continuing to search the house for possible other trapped or injured occupants.
The condition of the victims could not be confirmed.
RLS Media will continue to update this developing story as it unfolds in Union Township.