Firefighters Rescue Woman Atop Roof Of Burning Home In Somerset County

NORTH PLAINFIELD, NJ — Firefighters rescued a woman on the roof of a burning home in North Plainfield early Friday morning.

At around 1:25 a.m., North Plainfield Police were called to a structure fire at 489 Richard Way in North Plainfield.

Officers saw the home was completely ablaze with several residents/occupants standing on the front lawn, said North Plainfield Police Chief Alan McKay.

Officers were told that one female resident was still inside the home, possibly on the roof.

"North Plainfield Police Officers began rescue attempts; however, the female resident was extremely frightened to leave the roof area," said McKay.

The North Plainfield Fire Department was able to extend a large ladder onto the roof so the resident, 27-year-old Yaritza Perez, could be rescued.

All the occupants of the home, including the family dog "Mina" made it safely out of the fire, said McKay.

The Plainfield Fire Department and Watchung Fire Department also responded and helped the North Plainfield Fire Department in fighting the blaze until it was completely extinguished hours later.

The home was completely destroyed by the fire, and the matter remains under investigation.

Firefighters believe the fire may have started in the basement area; however, the exact origin of the fire will not be known until the investigation is completed, said McKay.

Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to contact the North Plainfield Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division at 908-769-2922.

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