By: Richard L. Smith
A massive fire tore through two homes and two garages in East Orange on Tuesday afternoon, displacing four residents but causing no injuries, according to a statement released by city officials.
The East Orange Fire Department responded to the third-alarm blaze at approximately 4:27 p.m. at the rear of 176 Oak Street.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy flames engulfing the building and nearby garages.
Crews immediately stretched multiple hoses to bring the inferno under control.
The fire quickly spread to a neighboring property at 180 Oak Street, leaving both homes heavily damaged.
All four residents managed to escape unharmed before firefighters contained the blaze at 5:05 p.m.
The response included all East Orange Fire Department companies, with mutual aid provided by fire crews from Newark, Orange, and Bloomfield.
Additional support for station coverage came from Irvington, Montclair, and West Orange.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.