Newark officials said members of the Newark Fire Division extinguished two separate Haz-Mat fires in less than twelve hours today.
According to officials, at 10:14 a.m., Firefighters responded to an outside container fire at 100 Riverside Avenue, reportedly the location of a former oil tank company.
The fire, involving a 20,000-gallon storage tank, was considered under control by Newark Firefighters at 10:49 a.m. Vehicle traffic in the area, at Route 21 northbound, has been re-opened.
Earlier today, officials said, at 12:05 a.m., a male parked at the 200 block of Johnson Avenue was the victim of a large explosion. The victim was transported to University Hospital for treatment.
Firefighters located two intact 20-pound propane tanks, typically used for a barbeque grill, and two intact one-pound tanks, often used for a camping grill, inside the victim’s vehicle—a 2007 Honda Odyssey.
Officers also observed property damage to nearby vehicles and a church building. The victim was transported to University Hospital for treatment.
Both incidents under investigation by the Newark Fire Division’s Arson Unit.