By: Richard L. Smith
A late-night fire tore through a Linden home on Monday, prompting a multi-agency response and injuring two firefighters, according to Union County officials.
Firefighters were dispatched to 225 East Blancke Street after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting a structure fire.
Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy flames engulfing a three-story wood-framed residence and immediately stretched multiple hose lines to battle the blaze.
Due to the intensity of the fire and its threat to neighboring homes, a second alarm was struck to bring in additional manpower.
Firefighters from surrounding Union County departments joined the Linden Fire Department at the scene.
While working to contain the fire, a floor inside the burning structure collapsed, causing the firefighters to fall.
A MAYDAY call was issued, and the injured firefighter was quickly rescued. Officials confirmed that the firefighters sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at the scene.
A primary search of the residence found no trapped occupants, and no additional injuries were reported. Fire crews were able to bring the blaze under control in just under an hour.
The American Red Cross was called to assist displaced residents.
The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.