A city woman is in critical condition today following an early morning fire at a duplex-style residence.
Firefighters responding to 27-29 Elliot St. at 3:43 am found the two-story structure completely engulfed, said Capt. John Brown. Eight of the home’s occupants had managed to get out before firefighters arrived. Among those was a five-month-old infant carried out by the parents, Brown said.
Firefighters battled the blaze for about 90 minutes before it was brought under control shortly before 5 am.
Five people were treated for burns and smoke inhalation at UMDNJ and St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, four of whom were released shortly afterwards. But a 58-year-old woman remains in critical condition at St. Barnabas with severe burns to her back.
The building was heavily damaged, Brown said. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and is being investigated by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the NFD.
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