Newark, NJ, fire destroys 2 houses, damages 5 other buildings; caused being investigated

Newark fire destroys 2 homes, damages 5 buildings

NEWARK, N.J. — Officials in New Jersey’s largest city say they have controlled a blaze that damaged seven buildings on a residential block.

Authorities say the fire broke out Wednesday afternoon in an abandoned building about two miles west of downtown Newark.

Hot weather and low water pressure hampered the firefighting effort. Two houses burned to the ground, and five nearby buildings were damaged. The cause hasn’t been determined.

No injuries were reported among residents. But fire department spokesman John Brown says about a dozen firefighters were treated for heat-related injuries after working in 90-degree weather.