4 Families' Homes Destroyed In Union County Fire

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ — A fire at a townhouse complex on Wednesday left four families without a home, according to officials.

The Berkeley Heights Fire Department arrived around 12:15 p.m. to a house fire on Cardinal Court in the Highlands Townhouse community. Firefighters found heavy smoke leaving the third floor and searched the building to make sure nobody was inside.

The only resident home at the time had evacuated before responders arrived, officials said.

A second alarms was called and crews from neighboring communities aided in preventing the fire from spreading to other units nearby and the fire was knocked down before 2 p.m..

Officials were able to determine that the fire was in the walls of the townhouse, and grew into the attic. The unit had to be completely evacuated due to the fire engulfing the whole attic and partially collapsing the chimney.

No injuries to officials or residents were reported, and the American Red Cross is assisting the four displaced families. Patch has reached out for further information regarding the cause of the fire and will bring you updates as they become available.