Source Of Fire That Left 9 Families Homeless In Bergen County Identified

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A fire that started in a shed on Sunday afternoon left nine families homeless in Garfield, said officials.

Prosecutors said on Monday that the county Arson Task Force is investigating the four-alarm fire tat 568 Palisade Ave.

They said that shortly after noon on Sunday, Garfield's police and fire departments sped to a blaze that had started in a shed behind a residential building. It spread to the main building and then to other homes nearby.

A firefighter from the Hackensack Fire Department was treated at Hackensack University Medical Center for heat exhaustion, prosecutors said.

He was released by Sunday evening, prosecutors said. No other serious injuries were reported.

Prosecutors said that the fire "does not appear suspicious in nature."

The families left homeless by the fire said they do not know where they will go next. Several fundraisers have been set up.

Mayor Everett E. Garnto Jr. said, "While we are grateful that everyone made it out safely, our hearts go out to those who were injured and to the families who are now dealing with loss and uncertainty.

Amanda Geer set up a fundraiser for her family of five, which was displaced by the fire.

"We are being told that it can be weeks before we are even allowed back into our building," she said. "It has been deemed as unsafe and uninhabitable." But she said she was glad her family and pets are safe.

Geer added that she is very grateful her family and pets are all alive and safe.

Jasmin White also set up a fundraiser for her family.

READ MORE HERE: 9 Families Homeless After Garfield Fire

Patch Editor Alexis Tarrazi contributed to this report