Authorities: House fire in Elizabeth leaves 7 displaced, 2 firefighters hospitalized

The occupants of the main home managed to get out in time and residents from the two neighboring households were safely evacuated, according to officials.

News 12 Staff

Jul 15, 2023, 4:17 PM

Updated 507 days ago

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A house fire that occurred early Saturday morning in Elizabeth sent two firefighters to the hospital and left seven people displaced.
Fire officials say a call reporting the blaze came in at around 3:45 a.m. after people inside the home were woken up by their smoke alarms.
Officials say the flames were intense and created heavy smoke. The home also collapsed as crews worked to put the fire out for several hours.
Crews established a water supply and eventually called in surrounding towns to help fight the flames. In that process, the homes to the left and right of the main home experienced some significant water and fire damage.
The occupants of the main home managed to get out in time and residents from the two neighboring households were safely evacuated, according to officials.
Authorities say two firefighters were taken to St. Barnabas to be treated for burns on the hand and blistering to the face. They are expected to be OK.
Two cats are also unaccounted for at this time, officials say.
Elizabeth fire chief Sal Barraco told News 12 they have a coordinated plan in place to oversee demolition to the building because it is a total loss.
Fire officials are still investigating the cause of the fire. The family also told News 12 that they believe it started outside toward the back of the home.