Officials: 5-alarm fire forces evacuation of Bayonne day care; 17 residents displaced
Witnesses tell News 12 New Jersey that several good Samaritans stopped to help get the children out of the day care center.
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A five-alarm fire in Hudson County forced the evacuation of a day care center and displaced more than a dozen residents Friday.
The fire was first reported at 11:45 a.m. on Avenue C between 19th and 20th streets in Bayonne in a strip of businesses, including St. Marina Pharmacy, with apartment units on top.
The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office says first responders found heavy smoke and confirmed the fire began in an apartment bedroom.
Officials say the fire spread throughout the building.
Thirty children from Daycare Center Smile Of A Child had to be evacuated to the bank across the street as a precaution.
Witnesses told News 12 New Jersey that several good Samaritans stopped to help get the children out of the day care center.
"They started to move the babies out, so I ran over there and I started helping them," said Malerie Maita, one of the people who helped.
About 30 toddlers ranging in age from 8 months to 3 years old were moved and then eventually reunited with their parents.
"It was very emotional for me. I just wanted to cry," said Maita.
Fire Chief Keith Weaver told News 12 that even Bayonne Councilman Lloyd Booker stopped to help.
"He called 911 and then stopped to assist children evacuating from the day care," said Weaver.
Six apartments were damaged and 17 people living in the units were displaced, according to officials.
" [Smoke] was coming right out the top like a chimney. It was pretty crazy," said Kawali Brady, who lives above the day care. "I wasn't really thinking. My body just started moving and I saw everyone was outside already."
The American Red Cross is helping those displaced.
No injuries were reported.
The fire was placed under control just after 1:30 p.m., but firefighters remained on scene to monitor hotpots.
The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force is investigating.
