By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
- • A three-alarm apartment fire in East Orange, New Jersey, early Jan. 11, 2026, prompted multiple ladder rescues of residents from upper floors.
- • Firefighters from several neighboring departments responded under mutual-aid agreements as the blaze spread through the Washington Street building.
- • About 38 people, including two firefighters, were treated at local hospitals for injuries related to the fire.
- • At least 80 residents were displaced from about 30 units by fire conditions and subsequent operations.
- • The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation by public safety authorities.
EAST ORANGE, NJ — Firefighters on Jan. 11 responded to a fast-moving three-alarm apartment fire in East Orange that required multiple rescues of residents from upper floors using ladders, city and fire officials said.
The blaze was reported about 6:15 a.m. at a multi-unit building on Washington Street, with crews from the East Orange Fire Department and mutual-aid partners from Orange, Bloomfield, Montclair, Irvington, Millburn and West Orange working to contain the fire and evacuate occupants.
Mayor Ted R. Green commended firefighters for their rapid response and rescue efforts, saying personnel used ladders to remove residents from the structure under hazardous conditions. Two responding firefighters were among those transported to local hospitals, officials said.
Overall, about 38 people were treated for fire-related injuries, and approximately 80 residents from about 30 units were displaced by the blaze, according to emergency officials. A reception center was established with support from the American Red Cross to provide displaced residents with assistance.
The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation by fire and public safety authorities.