Full Notification

Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose reports that two members of the Newark Fire Division were injured in last night’s 3-alarm fire at 176 Clinton Avenue.

The fire began shortly after 7:50 p.m. in the top floor of the 3-story vacant, mansion-style building and was upgraded to a second alarm at 8:04 p.m., with a third alarm sounded at 8:36 p.m.

One firefighter suffered an eye injury and another’s knee was injured. No other injuries have been reported.

Firefighters reported a partial collapse of the building after the 1st floor ceiling gave way, temporarily entrapping a group of firefighters. The firefighters rescued themselves and all were accounted for. Members of the Newark Police Division’s Emergency Services Unit responded to assist in securing the building’s perimeter. Demolition of the structure, built circa 1890, is to be determined based on its structural soundness.

Members of the Bloomfield and Elizabeth fire departments responded to render mutual aid during the fire, which continued for four hours before being considered under control just before midnight.

The cause and origin of this fire is under investigation by the Newark Arson Unit.