A large fire severely damaged several homes on the border of Newark and Irvington, NJ early Thursday evening, even causing one of them to collapse.
The 3-alarm fire was first reported near Montgomery and Avon avenues around 5:20 p.m. According to ABC 7, thick black smoke and bright orange flames could be seen coming from several homes, with the smoke visible from up to 20 miles away.
Within minutes, at least four houses were on fire. Two of them suffered serious damage, according to News 12 New Jersey, with one house eventually collapsing as a result of the damage.
Several trees around the houses also caught fire and a car went up in flames.
Other homes in the area were evacuated as the fire spread rapidly. According to ABC 7, officials said at least 30 people from nine families were displaced.
According to city officials, an elderly man was injured and taken to the hospital for treatment. No other injuries were reported.
Crews from Jersey City and Western New York were called in to help extinguish the fire. Fire officials said there was at least one dead hydrant at the scene, leading to water pressure issues. The fire was under control just before 7 p.m
It is currently unclear how the fire started, although Fox 5 helicopter reporter Dan Rice said high winds may have contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.
