Authorities in Plainfield are investigating the cause of a fire that killed a child early Sunday morning.
Officials said in a statement that early this morning, around 1:20 a.m., Plainfield firefighters were dispatched to 825 North Avenue to investigate a structure fire.
Upon arrival, authorities reported that heavy smoke and fire were coming from multiple areas of this two-and-a-half-story multi-dwelling.
Fire and police personnel immediately rescued multiple occupants by ladder from the second and third floors to safety.
Simultaneously, officials said, fire crews entered the dwelling to confine, extinguish the fire, and search for trapped occupants.
Unfortunately, during the search for trapped occupants, a deceased female child (age to be determined) was discovered.
An adolescent child (age to be determined) was transported to Hackensack Meridian Health JFK Medical Center in Edison, N.J., for reported smoke inhalation.
No other civilian injuries were reported.
Red Cross responded to assist 21 occupants with shelter and provisions.
The Medical Examiner responded to the scene, and Union County investigators are currently investigating the cause and origin of the fire.
EMS responded for medical evaluations, and no injuries to fire or police personnel were reported.