The Hudson County Regional Arson Task force is investigating a fatal North Bergen fire that claimed two lives and displaced 27 residents, authorities said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Shortly after 1 a.m., North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue was notified of a fire at Cullum Apartments, a multi-story apartment building located at 6299 Grand Ave. in North Bergen. Upon arrival, first responders found fire and heavy smoke within a tenth-floor unit.
During suppression activities, firefighters located two injured individuals — Reynaldo Tatis, 88, and a 72-year-old female whose identification is pending notification of next of kin. They were both pronounced dead at the scene.
The cause and manner of death are pending the findings of the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office. Two North Bergen police officers suffered minor injuries and were treated at Hackensack Medical Center.
27 residents were displaced as a result of the fire and this matter remains under investigation, but foul play is not suspected at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the HCPO at 201-915-1345 or to leave a tip at: https://hcpo.opsnetwork.org/tips. All information will be kept confidential.
“The North Bergen Housing Authority is working closely with the Police Department, North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue, the Red Cross, NB C.A.R.E.S, and other public agencies to respond to a serious fire that occurred overnight at the Cullum Towers senior housing complex,” Mayor Nick Sacco wrote on Facebook early this morning.
“Affected residents are being moved into temporary shelter at a nearby hotel until it is safe to return to the building.”
