By: Richard L. Smith
Late last night, the swift response of Newark's firefighting team ensured the containment of a potentially destructive blaze in the Vailsburg section.
According to preliminary reports, at around 11 p.m., fire alarms echoed in the West Ward neighborhood as emergency personnel raced to 56 Columbia Avenue.
Upon arrival, firefighters were greeted with heavy fire engulfing a two-and-a-half-story house, with fire extending its reach to a neighboring dwelling.
Crews swiftly combatted the blaze, focusing their efforts on the fire advancing on the first and second floors of the structure. Several measures were implemented, resulting in the safety of several residents.
The fortunate outcome saw no severe injuries reported.
Crews stretched over half a dozen water lines to quell the flames that had crept menacingly toward the adjacent house. Firefighting efforts of more than two dozen firefighters culminated in the successful containment of the inferno shortly before 12:40 a.m.
The American Red Cross played a crucial role in this emergency, assisting in relocating several residents impacted by the unfortunate incident.
Currently, the cause of the fire remains under investigation.