By: Richard L. Smith
The American Red Cross stepped in to assist nearly half a dozen residents who were displaced following a fierce fire that ravaged their home in Irvington Township on Wednesday evening.
Firefighters rushed to 75 Chester Avenue around 5 p.m. after receiving reports of a blaze.
Upon arrival, they encountered a two-story wood-framed house engulfed in flames, particularly tearing through the top floor and roof.
Firefighting crews immediately stretched several lines to combat the fire. Despite their efforts, the intensity of the flames, which burst through parts of the building, made further entry into the home dangerously unfeasible without first subduing the fire at its current level.
Fortunately, several residents managed to safely escape the home without sustaining serious injuries.
In a display of bravery, firefighters successfully rescued a resident from the upper floors by carefully bringing them down on a ladder.
The fire inflicted severe damage to the property, rendering it uninhabitable.
Firefighters successfully brought the blaze under control within about an hour.
The cause of the fire is currently under an active and ongoing investigation. In the meantime, the Red Cross is providing crucial support to the affected individuals, helping them navigate this challenging aftermath.