Crime & Safety

VIDEO: Families Forced to Relocate After West Forest Avenue Blaze

Teaneck, Englewood fire crews faced with flames shooting through the roof of a residential building.

ENGLEWOOD -- More than a dozen people were forced from their homes after a fire tore through a residential building on West Forest Avenue, between Webster and Decatur avenues, late Saturday night, officials said.

The blaze, near the Teaneck-Englewood border, was first reported at 11:32 p.m., said Englewood Police Chief Arthur O'Keefe. Fire crews from Englewood and Teaneck were on the scene into early Sunday.

Detectives have ruled out arson, but the cause remained under investigation Sunday, O'Keefe said. No one was hurt, however, 17 people in six families were forced from their homes.

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New Jersey Red Cross spokeswoman Diane Concannon said the agency responded to provide temporary lodging and financial assistance for food and clothing.   

At least two homes in the row of connected buildings were damaged, and Concannon said utilities had been shut off in the other residences.

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The blaze sent flames shooting through the roof of the building and forced authorities to close West Forest Avenue through Sunday as they investigated the scene. Scores of emergency responders, including the Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps, were called to assist. 

 

 

First published 3:25 a.m. Sunday. Last updated 3:30 p.m. Sunday

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