'Suspicious' Jersey City Fire Displaces 16 Families: Officials

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Thirty-nine people were displaced after a fire severely-damaged four multi-family houses Friday, officials said.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, which is considered "suspicious," said Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione, a city spokesperson.

CBS2 reported that a ruptured gas line at one of the damaged houses fed the four-alarm fire, CBS2 reported.

City officials are working with the American Red Cross to find hotel rooms and other necessities for victims.

Two firefighters suffered smoke inhalation, Wallace-Scalcione said. They were treated on scene and returned to duty. No other injuries were reported.

Firefighters were in "defensive mode" battling the fire about three hours after it started around 4 a.m., News12 said.

The fire started in between two buildings and spread to four properties, CBS2 reported.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com