By: Richard L. Smith
Firefighters in Essex County faced both a raging fire and extreme frigid temperatures as they battled a fast-moving blaze that tore through a home in Orange early Friday morning.
The fire erupted at approximately 1:55 a.m. in the 100 block of South Center Street, near Freeway Drive.
Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy flames engulfing the wood-framed house.
Firefighters quickly stretched multiple hoses to control the fire while officials struck a second alarm to bring in additional manpower.
The flames threatened to spread to neighboring structures, intensifying the urgency of the response.
The bitterly cold overnight conditions posed an extra challenge for the firefighters, with temperatures so low that water from their hoses froze on the ground, creating slippery conditions and increasing the risk of frostbite.
Despite the harsh weather, firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control within an hour.
No severe injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under active investigation.
The swift response highlights the dedication of firefighters who braved the freezing conditions to protect the community.