A four-alarm fire spread across multiple Belleville homes early Thursday, causing one house to collapse, threatening nearby properties, and creating difficult conditions for firefighters battling the blaze.
WEBDESK – HAJIRA IRFAN – NJNEWSLINE
Fire Breaks Out on Crescent Terrace
A massive four-alarm fire swept through several homes in Belleville, New Jersey, early Thursday morning, sending firefighters into a difficult battle as flames spread between neighboring properties.
The fire broke out on Crescent Terrace shortly before 3:15 a.m. and quickly spread to an adjacent home on the dead-end street. As the flames intensified, one of the homes involved collapsed, while fire was also seen burning through the roof of another residence.
The properties involved are located at 1 Crescent Terrace, 3 Crescent Terrace, 13 Maier Street and 17 Maier Street.
Flames Threaten Nearby Properties
The rapidly spreading fire also threatened homes on nearby Maier Street, raising concerns that additional residences could become involved.
Firefighters worked to contain the flames while protecting surrounding properties from the growing blaze. The four-alarm response brought additional resources to the scene as crews attempted to prevent the fire from spreading farther through the residential neighborhood.
The incident developed during the early morning hours, when emergency crews faced the added challenge of working around multiple homes and narrow streets.
Firefighters Face Difficult Conditions
Firefighters encountered several obstacles while battling the blaze, including low water pressure, burning trees and downed power lines.
Crews opened multiple fire hydrants in an effort to maintain enough water for firefighting operations. The damaged electrical infrastructure created another serious hazard, with live wires burning across streets near the affected homes.
PSE&G was called to the scene to cut power to the live wires, allowing emergency crews to continue their response while reducing the danger posed by the electrical lines.
The combination of low water pressure, active power lines and multiple burning structures made the firefighting operation particularly challenging.
One Home Collapses as Fire Spreads
One of the affected homes eventually collapsed as firefighters continued working to control the blaze. Another home sustained significant damage, with flames visible through its roof.
The fire’s spread across neighboring properties also increased the risk to nearby residents and structures. Crews remained focused on containing the flames and preventing additional homes from becoming involved.
Residents were preliminarily reported to have escaped the affected properties. Initial reports did not indicate any confirmed injuries.
Cause of Fire Remains Under Investigation
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the fire or what triggered its rapid spread between the homes.
The extent of the property damage is still being assessed as emergency crews deal with the aftermath. The affected residents may also face significant losses following the collapse and severe damage to the homes.
Officials have not released a confirmed cause of the blaze. The investigation remains ongoing, and further details could emerge as authorities examine the damaged properties and determine how the fire began.
For now, the four-alarm blaze has left several Belleville homes damaged or threatened and prompted a major emergency response in the residential neighborhood.
