The firefighter received an electric shock and the police officer suffered smoke inhalation responding to a Bloomfield apartment blaze that left seven families displaced.
NOAH COHEN NOVEMBER 7, 2019
NJ ADVANCE MEDIA GROUP, EDISON, N.J.
TAPINTO BLOOMFIELD
A firefighter and a police officer were hurt in a three-alarm fire that burned at a Bloomfield apartment building, forcing seven families from their homes Thursday, officials said.
The fire broke out around 8:15 a.m on the fourth floor of a Washington Street apartment building in a busy block, near the Bloomfield Center business district and Glenwood Avenue. Fire crews contained the blaze before it could spread to other structures and flames were no longer visible about an hour later.
In a statement, town officials said the police officer was treated for smoke inhalation at an area hospital while the firefighter suffered an electric shock and was treated at the scene. No residents were hurt.
“I would like to thank the rapid response of our firefighters and the surrounding towns’ fire departments, which helped contain this fire. I would also like to thank our police officers who arrived to assist tenants,” Bloomfield Mayor Michael Venezia said.
Both injured responders suffered minor injuries and were expected to recover quickly, according to the mayor.
Red Cross volunteers assisted 13 people in seven families with temporary lodging, food and clothing as needed, according to the organization.
A town spokesman said all residents of the building that burned were evacuated while people from nearby buildings have since been allowed back to their homes. Officials believe the fire was accidental.
East Orange, Irvington, Clifton, Nutley, Belleville, Montclair and Verona firefighters assisted Bloomfield crews at the scene, said township Fire Chief Louis Venezia.
“Our firefighters made an aggressive interior attack of the building and worked hard to contain the fire and protect civilians,” the chief said in a statement. “I am proud of their hard work and dedication to bring this fire under control very quickly.”
The four-story Washington Street building includes apartments on the upper levels with commercial space below.
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