Gus Rosendale

2 Neighboring Families Displaced After Fire Rips Through Newark Building

A large fire ripped through a vacant Newark building Monday evening, displacing two families living in a neighboring home. 

Newark firefighters responded to the blaze in the abandoned two-story wood-frame building at 62 Telford Ave., near South Orange Avenue, at about 5 p.m., according to fire officials. 

Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in about 40 minutes, but crews were still dousing hot spots. 

One firefighter fell through the floor while battling the blaze, but was quickly rescued and continued to fight the fire, fire officials said. 

"It is a mind-boggling situation, but the men and women of the fire department are well-trained and equipped to handle a situation like that," said Newark Fire Chief Rufus Jackson. 

No injuries were reported in the fire, and a neighboring home sustained minor damage. The two families living in that home -- three adults and seven children in total -- were relocated after officials determined there was smoke and water damage. 

"They told us, 'get out of the house, get out of the house. The house is on fire,'" said Shavone Guinyard. 

Arson investigators are looking for sources of the ignition in the abandoned building. Newark Assistant Public Safety Director said the arson squad can begin examining the building once firefighters are finished dousing all the hot spots. 

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