Newark cargo ship fire continues to burn; community remembers fallen firefighters
Authorities say the plan for Friday is to contain the fire at Port Newark, cool the ship and get rid of all of the water being sprayed via a fire pump.
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2h agoCrews are still fighting a fire on a cargo ship at Port Newark that killed two Newark firefighters and injured five others.
During a news conference Friday, authorities said the fire is expected to burn for a few more days. Responders are working to safely fight the fire, with crews on the scene since Wednesday night. The fire reignited Thursday afternoon and thick black smoke continued to fill the air Friday.
There is structural damage as a result of the fire. Authorities say the vessel currently remains stable, and the water going on the vessel is "a concern."
VIDEO: Below is Chopper 12 video over the cargo ship fire in Port Newark
A representative from Donjon-SMIT says some cars and areas on fire are still not accessible to the team. There is also a concern of the ship listing due to the water coming in. Crews plan on dewatering the vessel to stabilize it further.
Authorities say the plan for Friday is to contain the fire, cool the ship and get rid of all of the water being sprayed via a fire pump.
Honoring and remembering Wayne Brooks Jr. and Augusto Acabou
The city of Newark and the rest of the state are mourning the deaths of firefighters Wayne Brooks Jr. and Augusto Acabou, who died while battling the fire on the Grande Costa D'Avorio cargo ship.
Acabou, 45, was a firefighter for nearly 10 years and was assigned to Engine 16. Brooks, 49, was a firefighter for 16 1/2 years. He was assigned to Ladder 4. Flowers and balloons are laid outside of Engine 16 and Ladder 4 in Newark. Bunting has been placed up at both firehouses and the American flag at half-staff.
At a news conference Friday afternoon, the Newark Firefighters Union and family members remembered Brooks and Acabou.
Michael Giunta, president of the firefighters union, said “We are public servants, we protect our community, and we go to work every day not knowing if we’re coming home."
Brooks’ uncle Roger Terry remembered his nephew and said Brooks attended St. Benedict’s school. He says Brooks was No. 1 in his class and wanted to be a firefighter all of his life.
“We’re a real close family. I look at Wayne not just like my nephew but like my son. It’s been a really difficult day or so,” Terry said.
Gov. Phil Murphy ordered all state flags at half-staff on Friday. Services for the fallen firefighters will be scheduled next week.
News 12 New Jersey has also learned that President Joe Biden spoke with the Brooks and Acabou's families to offer his condolences.
Investigators are still working to determine how the fire started.
A GoFundMe to support the victims' families has raised over $38,000.
