2-Alarm Fire Tears Through Home, Leaves Family Of 6 Displaced In Union County

PLAINFIELD, NJ — A devastating two-alarm fire tore through a home in Plainfield on Tuesday, leaving a mother and her five children with nothing but each other and the clothes on their backs, according to the United Way of Greater Union County.

On Tuesday at around 6:04 p.m., the Plainfield Fire Division was called to Garfield Avenue for the reported mattress fire.

Fire and smoke were showing from the second floor and the fire quickly escalated to a second-alarm, according to instagram.com/union_county_westfield_buff.

This brought fire departments from Plainfield, North Plainfield, South Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Westfield, and Cranford to the scene.

Donations are being set up for Paula Nelson and her children, Masiayia (23), Jayvion (12), Hakim (11), Asiir (7), and Alianah (5).

"Their home, their belongings, their sense of security is all gone in an instant," wrote United Way. "Thanks to the heroic efforts of the Plainfield Fire Department and support from Cranford, North and South Plainfield, Fanwood, Scotch Plains, and Westfield fire units, lives were saved. But the aftermath has left the Nelson family facing overwhelming uncertainty."

The family is currently staying in a hotel, according to United Way.

"Paula, a devoted and loving mother, is doing everything in her power to keep her children safe, hopeful, and moving forward — but she can’t do it alone, "said United Way, which has set up a 72-hour campaign in support of the Nelsons.

From May 20 to May 23, 100 percent of all proceeds will go directly to the Nelson family to help them recover and rebuild.

"This is our moment to rally together as a community. Whether you can donate or simply share their story, your support matters. Let’s show Paula and her children that they are not alone — and that even in the darkest of times, compassion and kindness will light the way forward," according to United Way.

To donate to the Nelson family, visit www.uwguc.org/donate.

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