Large House Fire On Orchard Street In Cranford, Expect Road Closures

CRANFORD, NJ — A large structure fire occurred on Orchard Street in Cranford Monday night, according to Cranford Police.

At around 7 p.m. Monday, Cranford Fire Department received many calls reporting a house fire on Orchard Street near Holly Street. This was a 3-alarm fire fought by several agencies through the Union County Fire Mutual Aid System.

Police said drivers should expect road closures between Orchard Street between North Avenue East and Hampton Street.

Brennan Sweet of Cranford said he and his wife saw the fire Monday evening. Sweet said from the time the smoke was first seen, the house became fully engulfed in about three minutes, according to bystanders.

Sweet said he was told the family made it out safely but could not find their dogs.

"A multi-alarm fire with crews from three different towns, the firefighters were amazingly effective and efficient, bringing the fire under control within minutes and saving neighboring houses from damage," Sweet wrote in an email.

Further questions may be directed to the Cranford Fire Department at 908-709-7360.

Matthew Nazzaro of Cranford Police said a press release will likely be issued by the Cranford Fire Department soon.

Patch will continue to update this article as more information becomes available.