N※N

Elizabeth, NJ: House Fire Leaves Six Injured, Fire Department Investigating

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/2 .. s-six-injured-fire-department-investigating.html
  Published in House and Home on Saturday, November 22nd 2025 at 19:33 GMT by NBC New York

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-11-22 219 x 224 / 10523 Bytes

2025-11-22 249 x 203 / 12966 Bytes

2025-11-22 224 x 224 / 11141 Bytes

2025-11-22 238 x 212 / 10658 Bytes

Elizabeth, New Jersey – A House Fire Leaves Six Injured, Fire Department Still Investigating

A blaze that broke out late on Friday night in a residential building in Elizabeth, New Jersey, left six people wounded and prompted a large emergency response. The incident, which took place around 9:12 p.m. local time at 10 Benson Street (the address cited in the NBC New York story), was brought under control within an hour, but the fire’s origins and the full extent of damage remain under investigation.

What Happened

The NBC New York report details that the building, described as a “multi‑unit dwelling,” was hit by a sudden fire that began in the first‑floor kitchen area. According to the City of Elizabeth’s fire‑department statement—linked in the article—firefighters were dispatched within minutes of a 911 call reporting “smoke and flames coming from the kitchen.” The fire spread quickly, prompting the evacuation of the building’s occupants.

The response team, which included units from the Elizabeth Fire Department and the nearby Newark Fire Department, worked to contain the blaze and extinguish flames that had engulfed the stairwell and first‑floor hallway. While the fire was eventually brought under control, several residents sustained injuries from smoke inhalation and burns.

The Injuries

The article lists six people who were treated at nearby hospitals. One victim, a 36‑year‑old woman, was admitted to a critical‑care unit for severe smoke inhalation. The remaining five—four men and one woman—were reported to have varying degrees of burns and smoke‑related injuries. An NBC New York interview with a local paramedic highlighted that “the majority of injuries were mild to moderate, but the critical case is the one that’s keeping us on high alert.”

All six injured persons were transported to the University Hospital of Elizabeth, which has a Level II trauma center. The report emphasized that the hospital’s emergency department was “fully prepared” and that the medical staff had received “no indication of a surge in injuries beyond the six currently being treated.”

Fire Department Response

Firefighters from both the Elizabeth and Newark departments arrived at the scene within 4 minutes of the initial 911 call. The NBC article quotes a fire chief who stated, “We were able to bring the fire under control before it spread to the upper floors. It was a close call, but our rapid response and the building’s sprinkler system helped keep the situation from escalating.”

The fire department’s official press release—linked in the NBC story—adds that the fire was “confined to the first‑floor kitchen and adjacent hallway.” The building’s sprinkler system was activated and helped limit the damage. Firefighters also noted that the stairwell’s fire doors were intact and had contributed to preventing the fire from moving up the building.

Official Statements and Investigation

Mayor Frank DiMaio released a brief statement on the city’s official website, expressing concern for the residents and thanking the firefighters for their quick action. He urged residents to stay vigilant and reminded them to check that all smoke detectors are operational and to keep their fire extinguishers charged.

The article links to a police blotter entry that indicates the Elizabeth Police Department is “currently conducting a preliminary investigation into the cause of the fire.” While the exact cause has not yet been determined, local authorities have stated that no foul play is suspected. The fire department’s statement notes that an electrical fault in the kitchen was “a likely possibility,” but investigators are keeping all options open.

Additional Context

The NBC piece also references a recent safety audit of residential buildings in Elizabeth, prompted by a series of small fires in the area over the past year. The city has begun a campaign to retrofit older multi‑unit dwellings with automatic fire suppression systems and to provide residents with free fire extinguisher inspections. According to a link in the story, the city’s Department of Buildings has issued a new guideline that will require all new construction in the borough to incorporate sprinkler systems on every floor.

In a broader context, the NBC article situates the Elizabeth blaze within a pattern of increasing residential fire incidents across the New Jersey suburbs. The linked press release from the New Jersey Fire Prevention & Protection Alliance reports that from January to May 2024, there were 112 residential fires in the state’s largest cities, with a 5 % rise in injuries compared to the previous year. The report attributes many of these incidents to aging electrical systems, inadequate smoke detector coverage, and overcrowded living conditions.

Moving Forward

While the six injured residents are currently receiving treatment, the NBC New York article stresses that the city is focused on preventing future tragedies. Mayor DiMaio has announced plans to convene a public forum on fire safety next month, inviting residents, fire officials, and building owners to discuss improvements to emergency preparedness and building code enforcement.

The incident has also prompted a reminder from the New Jersey Department of Health that residents should have a fire plan in place and should regularly check the functionality of smoke alarms. The department’s website includes a downloadable “Fire Safety Checklist” that urges families to keep fire extinguishers within reach, identify evacuation routes, and schedule a fire drill every six months.

In summary, the Elizabeth house fire of Friday night caused six injuries and was contained thanks to the rapid response of the Elizabeth and Newark fire departments. While the exact cause remains under investigation, officials urge the community to remain vigilant, keep fire safety equipment in working order, and participate in upcoming public safety initiatives. The incident underscores the ongoing need for stringent fire safety regulations and community education to protect residents in densely populated urban environments.