Kearny NJ 5th alarm, 350, 348 & 352 Elm St. 07-18-21

Five alarms were transmitted for a fast moving fire that destroyed one home and heavily damaged 2 other homes in Kearny NJ on July 18th, 2021. The Kearny Fire Dept responded at 09:00 for 911 calls reporting a house fire at 350 Elm St. KPD units arrived first and advised the fire dept of a working fire as they evacuated the fire building as well as the exposures. On Arrival of the fire department, heavy fire was showing from the original fire building and had already spread into both the B & D exposures, similar 2-1/2 story frame dwellings separated by allies. A 2nd alarm was immediately requested by command bringing mutual aid to the scene. Companies worked hard in oppressive humidity to keep the fire from spreading to additional homes. The transmission of the 5th alarm brought companies from throughout Hudson County as well as Bergen and Essex Counties to the scene and for cover. Two firefighters suffered non life threatening injuries and were transported to the hospital, the elderly occupant of the home was transported to the burn unit in unknown condition. The fire was placed under control at 12:16 hours however companies remained on the scene for several more hours. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Kearny Fire Investigation Unit with assistance from the NJ Division of Fire Safety.