By: Richard L. Smith
IMAGE: Matthew Christopher
A swift response by Newark's bravest firefighters on Thursday night saw them quell a fire at a historic site in the city's Central Ward.
Initial reports indicated that the blaze erupted inside the old Essex County Jail, a building residents say is known for its storied past and recent issues with criminal activities.
The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) police arrived on the scene and spotted the fire. Around 9 p.m., they noticed flames emanating from the building located at the intersection of New Street and Newark Street.
They promptly notified the fire department, which quickly dispatched crews to the scene.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a working fire and immediately began operations to extinguish the flames. Efforts included stretching lines to direct water onto the blaze efficiently.
The teams managed to bring the fire under control within about half an hour.
A thorough search of the historic jail was conducted to ensure there were no trapped or injured occupants. Fortunately, the search concluded with no findings of anyone harmed or in danger.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
The site, which has deteriorated into a point of contention in the community, has seen numerous police interventions in recent years.
Authorities have repeatedly been called to the location to address incidents involving drug use and other criminal activities within the abandoned structure. It has not been confirmed what exactly started Thursday's fire.
Local officials and community leaders are assessing the situation as they consider future steps to secure and possibly rehabilitate the historic site to prevent further misuse and ensure public safety.