NEWARK, N.J. – A ferocious three‑alarm fire tore through a row of buildings in Newark’s historic Ironbound neighborhood late Friday night, injuring six firefighters and forcing 59 residents from their homes. The fast‑moving inferno, which started in a mixed‑use building on Jefferson Street, spread to four adjacent structures before crews brought it under control early Saturday morning.
More than 100 firefighters from Newark and surrounding departments rushed to the scene shortly before 10:30 p.m., confronting heavy flames that had already breached the roof and were leaping to neighboring buildings. The blaze, which damaged at least five buildings, was finally declared under control at 3:24 a.m., according to Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda.
“When we arrived, the fire had already taken hold of the rear upper portion of the original building and was extending to both sides,” a Newark fire official told reporters at the scene. Commanders quickly struck a second alarm, then a third, pulling in every available unit.
‘We Barely Made It Out’
Residents described a terrifying scramble to escape as smoke alarms blared and flames shattered windows.
“I started seeing smoke coming out of the building. As soon as I went over there, there were families and dogs coming out. There were a lot of kids,” witness Jose Marte told PIX11.
Another resident, Jackie Calva, who has lived in one of the damaged buildings for more than a decade, said she had only seconds to grab her two daughters before fleeing. “There’s barely anything inside. The roof is collapsed, everything,” she told CBS New York, her voice breaking. “I really hope that it’s salvageable, it’s fixable, and hopefully we’ll go back eventually. You don’t ever think it’s you until it actually happens to you”.
Neighbor Douglas Gámez described flames bursting through windows and engulfing floors within minutes, forcing many to evacuate without shoes or coats.
Six Firefighters Hurt, No Civilian Casualties
The six injured firefighters were transported to University Hospital with non‑life‑threatening injuries, Miranda confirmed. No residents were physically hurt, but the emotional toll was immense.
The American Red Cross and the Newark Office of Emergency Management immediately stepped in, providing temporary lodging, food, clothing, and financial assistance. A Red Cross spokesperson said 28 people from nine families had already received emergency aid, and the agency was working to place the remaining displaced residents in hotels or other shelters.
A Historic Working‑Class Community Shaken
The Ironbound is one of Newark’s most densely populated and culturally rich neighborhoods, known for its tight‑knit, working‑class spirit. The area has long been a gateway for immigrants, first from Italy, Poland, and Portugal, and more recently from Brazil and Ecuador. The neighborhood’s name is said to derive from the metalworking industry that once dominated the area, or from the railroad tracks that surrounded it.
Friday’s fire struck at the heart of that community. Many of the displaced families are long‑time renters or small business owners who operated storefronts on the ground floors of the affected buildings. By Saturday morning, they returned to what was left of their homes, filling plastic bags with salvaged belongings as they stood on the debris‑strewn sidewalk.
“I had just gotten my kids to sleep when the smoke alarm went off,” said one mother who declined to give her name. “We ran out with nothing. My daughter is still asking for her doll.”
The Investigation: Cause Still Unknown
The Newark Fire Division Arson Unit has launched an investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. Officials have not yet indicated whether the blaze was accidental or suspicious. The fire began at 196 Jefferson Street, a mixed‑use building with a commercial space on the ground floor and apartments above, before spreading to 194, 192, 190, and 188 Jefferson Street.
Newark Fire Director Rufus Jackson commended the bravery of the firefighters who worked through the night in challenging conditions. “They ran toward danger while everyone else was running away. Six of them were hurt, but they kept fighting,” he said.
Recovery and Relief Efforts
The City of Newark has set up a temporary assistance center at the Ironbound Recreation Center on Van Buren Street. Representatives from the Red Cross, the city’s Office of Emergency Management, and the Housing Authority are available to help displaced residents find long‑term housing and replace lost documents, medication, and other essentials.
A GoFundMe campaign organized by the Ironbound Community Corporation had raised more than $45,000 within 24 hours to support affected families. Donations can also be made through the American Red Cross of Northern New Jersey.
FAQ
Q: How many buildings were damaged?
A: At least five buildings — 188, 190, 192, 194, and 196 Jefferson Street — sustained significant damage. Two of them were completely gutted.
Q: Were any residents killed or seriously injured?
A: No. All 59 displaced residents escaped safely. Six firefighters were treated for non‑life‑threatening injuries and are expected to recover.
Q: What caused the fire?
A: The cause remains under investigation by the Newark Fire Division Arson Unit. No preliminary determination has been announced.
Q: How can I help?
A: Donations can be made through the American Red Cross of Northern New Jersey or the Ironbound Community Corporation’s relief fund. The city is also accepting clothing and non‑perishable food donations at the Ironbound Recreation Center.
Q: When can displaced residents return?
A: Officials have not yet provided a timeline. Building inspectors are assessing the structural safety of the damaged properties. Some residents may be allowed back to retrieve belongings under supervision, but re‑occupancy is expected to take weeks or months.
Q: How can I get updates?
A: Follow the Newark Public Safety Department on social media or visit the city’s official website for the latest information.
