Firefighters Rescue Trapped Residents, Cats In Jersey City Fire

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Firefighters rescued two cats and "numerous occupants" who were trapped in a residential building in Jersey City early Wednesday morning, a city spokesperson said.

A retired firefighter who works in public safety and happened to be nearby, Mike Manzo, was among those who saved lives during the blaze, said a report on NJ.com.

Firefighters responded to 35 Wright Ave. at approximately 5 a.m., said Jersey City public safety spokesperson Kim Wallace-Scalcione.

Firefighters saw heavy fire on the second and third floors of the three-story building, she said.

Firefighters helped "numerous occupants trapped on the second and third floor fire escapes" get down the escape, she said. Firefighters also saved two cats, Wallace-Scalcione said.

One firefighter suffered a shoulder injury and was taken to the local hospital, she said, and no residents were injured.

Six people were relocated from the building No civilian injuries were reported.

The owner was on the scene and was helping with relocations, said Wallace-Scalcione. The cause of the fire is under investigation, she said.

A resident told NJ.com that the retired firefighter, Manzo, helped rescue her family members after a fire safety ladder fell to the ground.