At a Glance
- A three-alarm fire erupted at 85 Washington St. in East Orange, N.J., around 6:15 a.m. on Jan. 11
- 38 people, including two firefighters, were hospitalized; the firefighters sustained minor injuries
- 80 residents across 31 families were displaced
- Arson investigators are probing claims the blaze began with a deliberately lit mattress
- Why it matters: The early-morning inferno endangered dozens of trapped residents and required a multi-township rescue effort
A fast-moving, three-alarm fire tore through an East Orange apartment building on Sunday morning, sending 38 people to local hospitals and forcing more than 80 residents from their homes.
Dramatic Early-Morning Rescue
Fire crews arrived at the six-story building at 85 Washington St. shortly after 6:15 a.m. to find heavy smoke and flames racing through the structure, Mayor Ted R. Green said in a statement.
Multiple occupants were already hanging out of windows, according to David Williams, director of the East Orange Office of Emergency Management.
Firefighters deployed tower ladders to reach those trapped above street level.
“It was very dramatic,” Williams told WPIX.
Inside the building, residents described near-zero visibility and choking smoke.
Sal Robinson, who lives in the complex, said he encountered “pitch black smoke” when he opened a hallway door.
He and others fled down six flights of stairs.
“I couldn’t see or breathe,” Robinson recalled. “Nothing. It was pitch black.”
Casualties and Displacement
Emergency medical crews evaluated victims on site and transported 38 people to area hospitals.
The group included two firefighters who suffered minor injuries, according to WPIX.
No fatalities were reported.
City officials estimate that the blaze displaced at least 80 residents from 31 families, leaving them temporarily homeless.
Investigation Focuses on Possible Arson
While the exact cause remains undetermined, some residents have told investigators they believe the fire was intentionally set.
Multiple witnesses claim a mattress was deliberately ignited, WPIX reported.
“We heard the reports too,” Williams confirmed. “And our arson team is investigating.”
The East Orange Fire Department is leading the inquiry with assistance from county and state fire officials.
Multi-Agency Response Praised
Mayor Green praised the city’s firefighters “for an extraordinary rescue effort under extremely dangerous conditions.”
Mutual-aid companies from six neighboring townships joined the operation, providing engines, ladder trucks, and additional personnel.
“We are deeply grateful for that partnership and support,” Green said.
The American Red Cross opened a temporary shelter and is supplying food, clothing, and hygiene kits to displaced residents.
The East Orange Office of Emergency Management is coordinating longer-term housing assistance with the mayor’s office and social-services agencies.
“Our focus remains on safety, accountability, and continuing to stand with our residents as they move forward,” Green added.
Building History and Safety Questions
The 85 Washington Street property is a six-story, multi-family dwelling that city records show was built in the 1920s.
Officials have not yet disclosed whether the building had a modern sprinkler system or fire escapes that met current code.
Those details are expected to form part of the final fire-marshal report.
Community Rallies to Help Victims
Local churches and nonprofits have begun collecting clothing, diapers, and toiletries for survivors who escaped with only the clothes they were wearing.
The Red Cross has set up an online registry listing the most urgent needs, including gift cards for grocery and pharmacy purchases.
Key Takeaways
- The fire broke out just after 6:15 a.m. on Jan. 11, injuring 38 people and displacing 80 residents
- Dramatic rescues unfolded as firefighters used ladder towers to reach tenants trapped on upper floors
- Arson investigators are examining claims that a deliberately ignited mattress sparked the blaze
- No deaths have been reported, and the two injured firefighters are expected to recover
- The city, Red Cross, and community groups are aiding displaced families
