About 15 residents must relocate Sunday after a fire torched two three-story apartment buildings on Jewell Street.
GARFIELD -- About 15 residents must relocate Sunday after a fire torched two three-story apartment buildings on Jewell Street.
Multiple 911 calls at 8:41 a.m. brought firefighters to the corner of Jewell and Market streets, Michael Marsh, emergency management coordinator for Garfield, said.
There was heavy fire at 101 and 103 Jewell Street by the time they arrived, Marsh said. The residents of the two buildings had evacuated on their own.
The fire reached a third alarm at 9 a.m., Marsh said. About 100 firefighters responded to the blaze.
Two firefighters were treated for minor injuries, Marsh said. Nine residents were hospitalized for smoke inhalation.
105 Jewell Street took minor damage, Marsh said. Unlike the residents of 101 and 103, tenants of 105 will be able to return home once the scene is clear.
Firefighters rescued one woman living at 105 Jewell Street. She uses a wheelchair and couldn't escape on her own.
The Red Cross is helping about 15 people relocate, Marsh said. 101 and 103 had five apartments total, with businesses on the first floor.
The fire appears to have started at 101 Jewell St., Marsh said. The cause is under investigation, he said.
John Brucato, who lives at 101 Jewell St., said the fire started when an air conditioner in the apartment above his malfunctioned.
"That's what started it all and it started carrying its way down."
The building department is determining whether to demolish 101 and 103 Jewell Streets, Marsh said.
Myles Ma may be reached at mma@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MylesMaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
