2 Dead, 90 Displaced in Plainfield Apartment Fire

In the early hours of Sunday, a devastating fire erupted at 308 West Front Street in Plainfield, New Jersey, claiming the lives of two parents and leaving 90 residents without a home.

 

Flames engulfed the top-floor unit around 1:15 a.m., prompting a swift evacuation of the building's 24 units.

 

Neighbor Shaira Aviles recounted in Spanish that she awoke to the smell of smoke and hurriedly evacuated her family, including her 80-year-old grandmother.

 

She described the building as being filled with smoke.

 

As residents fled, paramedics attempted to save a father and mother who were severely burned.

 

Their two children, aged 17 and 11, managed to escape the inferno.

 

Building superintendent Hugo Fernandez noted that the children ran outside without clothes or shoes, and he provided them with his jacket to keep warm.

 

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp confirmed that the children were hospitalized and later released.

 

He emphasized the city's commitment to supporting the victims, stating, "The city will do whatever we can, whatever we need to, working with the school district to make sure that these kids continue to receive the education that they are entitled to."

 

The Red Cross has established a temporary shelter at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center, offering food and services to those displaced.

 

Communications manager Sheri Ferreira mentioned that approximately 38 people would be sleeping there unless picked up by family members or friends.

 

She assured that the Red Cross is prepared to stay as long as necessary.

 

Local churches and organizations are actively collecting donations to assist the affected families.

 

Plainfield's Advisory Commission on Hispanic Affairs is providing essentials such as blankets, towels, and clothing.

 

Commission member Flor M. Gonzalez stated, "We try to give them whatever they need. If their children need clothes, we have a company that is going to give us a lot of clothes."

 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

 

In the wake of this tragedy, the community's outpouring of support underscores the resilience and unity of Plainfield's residents.