By: Richard L. Smith
The American Red Cross is providing aid to seven people from two families after a fast-moving fire tore through a home near the Garden State Parkway in Irvington Township on Wednesday morning.
Firefighters rushed to 59-61 Washington Avenue around 8:30 a.m. after receiving multiple emergency calls reporting a house fire.
Upon arrival, crews found heavy flames engulfing a wood-framed home and rapidly spreading to a neighboring structure.
Firefighters quickly stretched multiple hose lines to contain the blaze but encountered additional challenges when a portion of the primary residence began to collapse.
Despite the severity of the fire, all occupants safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
Fire crews managed to bring the flames under control in under an hour. The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.
In the aftermath, the American Red Cross stepped in to provide temporary shelter, food, clothing, and other essential assistance to the displaced families.