Firefighter Hurt, Dozens Left Homeless After Multiple Homes Burned In Union County

ROSELLE, NJ — A five-alarm fire left one firefighter injured and "significant property loss" after three homes burned in the 300 block of East 9th Ave. overnight, the Roselle Police Department said.

The Red Cross is now assisting 38 people who were left homeless.

"After speaking with Mayor Shaw, we are coordinating efforts to provide assistance to all affected families," Roselle Fire Chief Christopher Laba said. "Please keep these families in your thoughts during this difficult time."

One of the residents, Janylle Ramirez, told ABC New York that her five cats that were in her home are still missing.

"Flames on the attic, on all three houses. Everything was on fire...it was terrible. Like, I cried my heart out," Ramirez said.

Another cat was rescued out of a window of one of the homes safely, according to the Garwood Fire Department.

Five-Alarm Fire

Early Monday evening, firefighters responded to a report of a house fire at the home and began to establish an exterior attack with multiple hose lines. Multiple other agencies, including the Westfield Fire Department, assisted.

One firefighter sustained a minor arm injury. No others were hurt.

The cause and origin of the fire are still under review.

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