By: Richard L. Smith
A raging three-alarm fire in East Orange left nearly a dozen people homeless on Saturday afternoon as firefighters fought to contain the flames that tore through two homes.
The fire broke out at a residence at 291 Glenwood Avenue around 4:30 p.m., prompting an immediate response from local firefighters.
Upon arrival, crews witnessed flames engulfing the top floor of the three-story house, leading to a second alarm being called for additional manpower.
Firefighters quickly stretched hoses and managed to get water on the fire, successfully knocking down the flames in the original building.
However, the blaze had already spread to a neighboring home, where intense flames continued to rage through the attic and roof.
Fire officials struck a third alarm for more personnel and firefighters were forced to shift to an external attack as they worked to bring the fire under control.
Crews doused the flames until they could re-enter the building and extinguish the remaining hotspots.
The fire was declared under control around 7 p.m.
The American Red Cross provided assistance to 11 people from three families, offering shelter, food, and clothing, as both homes were deemed uninhabitable.
The cause of the fire is under active investigation.
