By: Richard L. Smith
Newark's South Ward residents witnessed a swift response from firefighters as they tackled a rapidly moving fire on Monday night.
Emergency crews were dispatched to 120 Parkhurst Avenue just before 9:40 p.m. in response to reports of a fire. Upon arrival, firefighters were met with flames engulfing a two-story wood-framed house.
The fire's intensity had begun to extend to neighboring homes on both sides.
To combat the spreading blaze, firefighters stretched up to four lines, effectively containing the fire's progression.
Initial reports indicated the possibility of a child being trapped within the burning structure. Braving the flames, crews entered the building and conducted a search.
Thankfully, no trapped or injured occupants were found. The child was subsequently located unharmed.
Newark firefighters' coordinated efforts controlled the fire within half an hour.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation as authorities work to determine its origin and any contributing factors.