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14-Alarm Fire Destroys Belleville Block
5 May
Summary
- A 14-alarm fire devastated a Belleville block.
- The blaze originated in a mattress factory, spreading rapidly.
- Two firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation and exhaustion.
A devastating 14-alarm fire consumed an entire block in Belleville, New Jersey, on Sunday. The massive blaze, which required the assistance of dozens of fire departments, is believed to have originated in a mattress factory located at 347 Cortlandt Street. Welding activities at the factory are suspected to be the cause, with flammable materials like foam, helium tanks, and nearby businesses contributing to the rapid spread.
Flames shot from windows, and embers carried by the wind ignited two nearby homes, leading to the destruction of multiple businesses and two residences. While the fire raged for twenty hours, two firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation and exhaustion. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported, and most evacuated residents were permitted to return to their homes.
The aftermath revealed complete devastation, with structures like the Legacy Boxing Gym, described as a place that empowered girls and trained Olympic contenders, reduced to ashes. The American Red Cross is currently assisting residents who lost their homes, providing support in the wake of the significant property loss.
