By: Richard L. Smith
Firefighters in Jersey City battled a raging four-alarm fire late Wednesday night after flames tore through a vacant three-story brick building, threatening nearby structures.
According to officials, crews were dispatched to 2016 John F. Kennedy Boulevard around 11:20 p.m. following reports of a building fire.
When they arrived, heavy flames engulfed the structure, with fire rapidly extending to adjacent buildings.
As the blaze intensified, fire officials struck four alarms, bringing in additional manpower to contain the inferno.
Firefighters stretched multiple hose lines to douse the flames, while Jersey City police shut down JFK Boulevard to assist emergency crews.
Firefighters worked quickly to bring the fire under control by midnight, preventing further damage. No injuries were immediately reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
City officials have determined that the severely damaged building will be demolished due to safety concerns.