Firefighters in Jersey City, New Jersey, rescued a 1-year-old child and a teenager trapped in a burning home after a devastating fire on Princeton Avenue. The blaze, which erupted on Friday, December 6, left more than 20 people displaced and caused significant damage to the property. Authorities and neighbors have praised the quick and heroic actions of first responders, who managed to locate the unconscious toddler in the midst of dangerous, smoke-filled conditions.
Fire Erupts on Princeton Avenue
On the afternoon of December 6, Jersey City firefighters were dispatched to a house fire on Princeton Avenue at approximately 1 p.m. According to reports from News 12 New Jersey, RLS Media, and ABC 7 NY, the blaze quickly spread, leaving over 20 residents without homes. In total, 17 adults and six children were displaced due to the fire’s destructive force.
Initial reports indicated that a 15-month-old baby was trapped inside the home, along with a 17-year-old girl, who was watching over the toddler at the time. As flames engulfed the house, the teenager was able to escape but was left in a frantic state, desperately trying to warn others about her younger sister still trapped inside.
Heroic Rescue of the Toddler
Upon arriving at the scene, first responders were informed that the youngest victim was a 15-month-old baby girl who had become unconscious. Firefighters rushed into the burning building, which was already thick with smoke and engulfed in flames. They quickly located the child in a back bedroom, though the search proved challenging.
Jersey City Fire Chief Jack Johnson described the rescue operation, noting the difficulties of finding the baby in such hazardous conditions. “It wasn’t like laying on top of the bed, it was somehow against the wall—so it was difficult to find the baby, but they found it pretty fast and got it out,” Johnson told ABC 7 NY.
Despite the intense heat and visibility issues, the team of firefighters acted swiftly and successfully rescued the toddler from the burning home. The baby, though breathing, was unresponsive at the time of the rescue. She was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where she was treated for smoke inhalation.
“We’re doing the search for the kid in complete fire and smoke conditions and the guys did a great job being able to locate the kid that was on a bed towards the wall,” Chief Johnson added, commending the team for their swift and precise actions under extreme pressure.
Teenager’s Desperate Plea for Help
The teenager, identified only as the 17-year-old sister of the child, was found outside the home in a state of shock. Neighbors recalled the young girl’s distress as the fire tore through the house. Tevin Mwangi, a local resident who witnessed the scene, described how he saw the teen in just a T-shirt and underwear, visibly distressed and covered in soot.
“I just ran. I see the house is on fire. She has no clothes on, just a T-shirt and underwear, so I give her my jacket and shoes and say, ‘Do you want to go to my car?’” Mwangi told News 12 New Jersey. “She’s telling me there’s a 15-month-old baby inside toward the back of the house,” he continued.
Mwangi, along with another neighbor, immediately called 911 to alert emergency services about the fire and the baby trapped inside.
Speaking to ABC 7 NY, Mwangi further described the chaotic scene. “She’s crying, coughing, has black smoke all over her body. So, I assumed something is going on,” he recalled. “I checked the house, and all of a sudden, I saw the fire engulfing the house, smoke pouring out, and I knew I had to call 911. She did tell me she had a younger sister, around 15 months old, inside the house.”
Displaced Families and Heartbreaking Losses
In the wake of the fire, a total of 17 adults and six children were displaced, with many left to grapple with the emotional and financial aftermath. One resident, identified only as “Eddie,” spoke to local news outlets about the devastating loss of his family dog, Max, who perished in the flames.
“We have to leave him now until we come back tomorrow to find a place to bury him,” Eddie said, fighting back tears. The loss of pets in such a traumatic event has been a significant emotional toll for many of the displaced families.
The American Red Cross has stepped in to assist the affected families, providing shelter, clothing, and financial support as they begin to rebuild their lives following the tragedy.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Support
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. While the blaze has left many families devastated, the quick actions of local firefighters and the heroic efforts of the community have been a source of solace for those affected.
Neighbors have come together to support the families who have lost everything in the fire, offering help with basic needs and raising funds for those displaced. The local response to the tragedy has been described as one of solidarity and compassion, as the community rallies to support the victims during this difficult time.
Jersey City Firefighters, praised for their professionalism and bravery, continue to work in collaboration with local organizations to ensure that the affected families receive the help they need in the aftermath of the fire.
Looking Forward
As the investigation into the fire continues, the community remains focused on recovery and rebuilding. The quick response from local firefighters and the heroic actions of neighbors have no doubt saved lives, and the town is now looking at ways to support the families who have lost their homes and belongings.
The tragic fire serves as a reminder of the critical role that first responders play in ensuring the safety of communities during emergencies. It also underscores the importance of neighbors helping one another in times of crisis.
Local authorities are working to provide long-term support for the families affected, including financial assistance for housing and recovery efforts. As of now, the 1-year-old child is recovering in the hospital, and the community remains hopeful for the future, drawing strength from the support and resilience shown by its members.
Conclusion
The fire that tore through a home on Princeton Avenue in Jersey City on December 6 left behind devastation, but also showcased the bravery and quick thinking of both first responders and local residents. The rescue of the 15-month-old child, though fraught with challenges, was a testament to the dedication of Jersey City’s firefighters, who acted swiftly in a life-threatening situation. As the displaced families begin the arduous process of rebuilding, the community’s response has been a source of comfort and support, demonstrating the power of unity in the face of tragedy.
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