Authorities: Fire that destroyed 4 homes in Jersey City deemed suspicious
Posted: Updated:Authorities say a fast-moving fire that destroyed four homes in Jersey City appears to be suspicious.
The fire broke out around 4 a.m. Friday near a home on Wade Street and quickly spread to three other nearby residences. Authorities say the flames apparently were being fed by a leaky natural gas line. At least 40 people were left homeless due to the fire, but there were no reports of serious injuries.
Firefighters had to deal with hoarding conditions in some of the homes, where squatters apparently were staying, along with strong, gusty winds that hampered their efforts.
Two firefighters were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and returned to work.
Jersey City’s fire chief tells News 12 New Jersey that it seems that the fire was started under suspicious means. The cause is under investigation.
The American Red Cross says that it is helping 44 people from 15 different families who need shelter, food and clothing after escaping the fire.
“A majority of those people walked out with what they have on their back…we hope to have everyone relocated by the end of the day,” says Jersey City OEM director Greg Kierce.
Officials say that they are hoping to put the displaced into nearby hotels.
Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop has been briefed and is monitoring the process, according to Kierce.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.
Top StoriesNewsMore>>
‘The active shooters targeted the location they attacked’: Multiple dead, including officer, in Jersey City shooting
‘The active shooters targeted the location they attacked’: Multiple dead, including officer, in Jersey City shooting
‘The active shooters targeted the location they attacked’: Multiple dead, including officer, in Jersey City shooting
‘The active shooters targeted the location they attacked’: Multiple dead, including officer, in Jersey City shooting
Investigators in Jersey City say three innocent civilians and a police detective were killed in Tuesday’s shootout – as well as the shooters that were later killed. Mayor Steven Fulop now says some of the victims may have been targeted.Investigators in Jersey City say three innocent civilians and a police detective were killed in Tuesday’s shootout – as well as the shooters that were later killed. Mayor Steven Fulop now says some of the victims may have been targeted.35 Jersey City police officers killed in line of duty since 1881
35 Jersey City police officers killed in line of duty since 1881
The death of Det. Joseph Seals in Tuesday’s shooting now brings the total to 35 Jersey City police officers killed in the line of duty since the department started keeping records in 1881.The death of Det. Joseph Seals in Tuesday’s shooting now brings the total to 35 Jersey City police officers killed in the line of duty since the department started keeping records in 1881.‘It's a tough day for Jersey City’: Gov. Murphy, Mayor Fulop remember fallen Jersey City detective
‘It's a tough day for Jersey City’: Gov. Murphy, Mayor Fulop remember fallen Jersey City detective
There are heavy hearts this morning for law enforcement in the area, and all around the country, after Det. Joseph Seals, a 15-year veteran of the Jersey City Police Department, was killed in Tuesday’s shooting.There are heavy hearts this morning for law enforcement in the area, and all around the country, after Det. Joseph Seals, a 15-year veteran of the Jersey City Police Department, was killed in Tuesday’s shooting.Police chief: Officers investigating 3 crime scenes involved in Jersey City shooting
Police chief: Officers investigating 3 crime scenes involved in Jersey City shooting
Jersey City Police Chief Mike Kelly said the cemetery, the stolen U-Haul truck and JC Kosher Supermarket are considered to be crime scenes.Jersey City Police Chief Mike Kelly said the cemetery, the stolen U-Haul truck and JC Kosher Supermarket are considered to be crime scenes.News 12 Lights Up the Holidays: Vote on the Top 12!
News 12 Lights Up the Holidays: Vote on the Top 12!
News 12 New Jersey wants to light up the holidays and we need your help!
News 12 New Jersey wants to light up the holidays and we need your help!
New Jersey SlideshowsGalleriesMore>>
Concert for The Rainforest Fund held at the Beacon Theatre
Concert for The Rainforest Fund held at the Beacon Theatre
Red carpet arrivals at The Concert for The Rainforest Fund at the Beacon TheatreThe Rainforest Fund 30th anniversary benefit concert was held Monday at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.Your New Jersey 2019 Holiday Photos
Your New Jersey 2019 Holiday Photos
From sparking holiday lights to fun Santa photos, News 12 wants to see your holiday photos!From sparking holiday lights to fun Santa photos, News 12 wants to see your holiday photos!Your December 2019 Storm Photos
Your December 2019 Storm Photos
Do you have photos of the winter storm from the December 2019 storm? We want to see!Do you have photos of the winter storm from the December 2019 storm? We want to see!2019 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
2019 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
The 87th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 in New York.The 87th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 in New York.The Download Photos
The Download Photos
The Royole FlexPai touts itself as "the world's first commercial foldable smartphone with flexible display."
Here are some of the latest tech items featured in the News 12 series The Download.
Here are some of the latest tech items featured in the News 12 series The Download.