New Jersey

Homes in NJ Neighborhood Evacuated as Fire Consumes Building, Spreads

A massive fire that started inside a building under construction in Cliffside Park, New Jersey spread to at least one neighboring building, and homes in the area were evacuated as firefighters struggled to contain the blaze in the brutal cold. 

It's not clear what caused the fire, which engulfed the entire building at Walker Street and Cliff Lane Tuesday evening. Heavy flames were seen shooting out of windows and the roof of the entire building, sending up thick smoke into the sky.

Wind-whipped embers from the fire spread to at least one nearby building a few blocks away on Palisade Avenue. Emergency responders evacuated around a dozen other buildings in the area as a precaution. 

"The firefighters came and evacuated everybody, they said 'get out, get out,'" said Susanna Almeida. "The fire was everywhere. It was pretty crazy."

Neighboring fire departments arrived to assist. Ladder units were seen directing water onto the fire from above.

Neighbor Alan Sikiric said the original burning building was under construction, part of a residential project being constructed at the site of the old Marbur curtain warehouses. That building has partially collapsed. 

No injuries were reported. The fires appeared to be mostly contained, though firefighters were working to put out some lingering hotspots. 

Authorities are investigating a cause. 

-- Gus Rosendale contributed to this report. 

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