A four-alarm Bayonne fire that broke out early this morning saw two firefighters suffer minor injuries, 13 people displaced and seven cats die, according to Fire Chief Keith Weaver.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
At 1:37 a.m. this morning, the Bayonne Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 78 Andrew St., where arriving companies saw heavy smoke and fire at both 76 and 78 Andrew St. that quickly escalated to a four-alarm fire, Weaver said.
With the assistance of the Jersey City, Hoboken, Kearny and North Hudson Regional & Fire Departments, the fire was deemed under control at 3:20 a.m., officials said.
A total of 13 people were displaced by the fire, who are being assisted by the Red Cross and seeking temporary shelter with friends or family. Additionally, seven cats perished in the fire and three cats, three ferrets and one bird were rescued and placed in the care of their owners, authorities said.
Furthermore, two firefighters suffered minor injuries at the scene, who were then transported to the Bayonne Medical Center where they were treated and released, said Weaver.
“The firefighters at the scene did an outstanding job and conducted extensive interior fire operations to contain the fire to 76 and 78 Andrew St, limiting the damage to both buildings,” the Bayonne fire chief added.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
