UPDATE: 1,000 Displaced Edgewater Residents Safe, But in Need After Blaze

As hundreds of displaced families cope with the massive Edgewater fire that ripped through their homes yesterday, The American Red Cross and the Bergen County Humane Society have set up shelters.

NorthJersey.com reports that more than 1,000 residents have been displaced - 500 who lived in The Avalon, where the fire occurred, and 502 who were evacuated from nearby buildings.

The 240 families who lived at The Avalon, a four-story apartment building in Edgewater, and 168 families who were evacuated from a nearby complex, are safe but in need, according to Pix11.

“The American Red Cross and Edgewater city agencies have opened the Edgewater Community Center, located at 1167 River Road, to displaced residents,” Pix11 reports. Many are also staying at the Comfort Inn, located at 725 River Road in Edgewater, and bringing their pets to the American Legion, which has been set up as a temporary shelter by the Bergen County Humane Society.

The blaze broke out late Wednesday afternoon and quickly escalated, resulting in the Mayor declaring a State of Emergency and schools closing Thursday, NorthJersey.com reported. More than 500 firefighters from 35 different departments responded to the blaze, which was said to be under control by 11 p.m.

Residents wanting to help by donating clothing, food or funds, can call the Comfort Inn at 201-943-3131.

More on the Edgewater Blaze:

• WATCH: State-Of-Emergency As Five-Alarm Blaze Still Rages At Edgewater Apartment Complex

Stay on top of Patch’s local coverage of Fort Lee by subscribing to the daily Fort Lee Patch newsletter by clicking here.