Officials: Fire caves in roof of Roselle Park apartment; dozens displaced

It happened just after 11 a.m. on Jerome Street.

Bob Doda, Sarah Goode and Rose Shannon

Nov 4, 2024, 3:10 AM

Updated 52 days ago

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A fire caved in the roof at a Roselle Park apartment complex on Sunday and left dozens displaced.
Andrew Casais, a Borough of Roselle Park official, says the fire was first reported in a recycling room at Sunrise Village Apartments and quickly spread. He says the city is helping with displaced residents.
“Right now, we’re doing an accounting of everyone that’s displaced,” he said. “We’re working on getting to a place overnight and probably for the foreseeable future while repairs are made.”
Chief Steven Thompson told News 12 that two firefighters were transported to the hospital for minor injuries. A civilian was also injured. Everyone else made it out of the complex safely.
The fire impacted 24 apartments – 20 of which had families living inside. Four were vacant at the time of the fire.
“I was driving up, up the parkway around 11:15 and I saw smoke, got a little scared,” said Joanne Brignoni, who works in the area.
As she got closer, she saw the building on fire - then saw it spread.
“All of a sudden, it just started shooting through the whole entire roof,” said Brignoni.
The Red Cross told News 12 that its Disaster Action Team will provide emergency financial assistance for temporary lodging, food, clothing and other immediate needs. They expect to assist 34 people from 20 families.