Perth Amboy, NJ – On July 3, at 5:23 PM, the Perth Amboy Fire and Police Departments responded to a house fire at 61-63 Water Street. Due to the nearby fireworks festival, emergency units arrived promptly. Strong winds from the waterfront rapidly spread the fire throughout the 8-unit apartment building.
Police officers rescued at least four occupants trapped on the upper floors at the rear of the building, while firefighters began firefighting operations. Intense fire conditions and structural collapses forced a transition to a defensive operation. The fire was extinguished after approximately five hours, necessitating emergency demolition to expose and extinguish deep-seated pockets of fire. The structure was excavated to ensure complete containment.
Six injuries were reported: four civilians and two police officers. One civilian, a beloved community member, was transported in serious condition due to respiratory burns and is now stable. The two police officers were treated for smoke inhalation and released.
The eight families affected by the fire received immediate assistance from the city’s relocation team and the American Red Cross. The city commended the quick action of police, fire, and first responders, including Hackensack Meridian JFK EMS and the Hopelawn Fire Department. The community remains in the city’s prayers.
The fire scene has been fenced and secured for investigation. Multiple agencies will coordinate the investigation into the fire’s origin and cause, which will require heavy machinery. No date has been set for this investigation.
The fire’s cause is currently undetermined. Authorities urge anyone with video footage of the incident to contact the Perth Amboy Fire Investigation Unit at (732) 324-3500 or the Perth Amboy Police Department at (732) 324-3800.