Just after 3:00 Thursday morning firefighters from Newark’s Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder, along with crews from several area fire companies were dispatched to the unit block of Eaton Place in Bear.
Crews responded to reports of a structure fire with entrapment. While en route crews were told that a son and a father were sleeping in separate rooms on the second floor.
Upon arrival, crews initially reported nothing showing. After a 360 of the structure crews reported smoke showing. Crews responding to the fire were notified that this was a working structure fire.
Crews immediately began their attack on the blaze, Command asking for three ambulances and two advanced life support crews. Trooper 4 was also dispatched to the scene.
Just after crews asked for the lines to be charged and entered the structure they reported that they had found one victim on the second floor. That patient was rushed out of the home.
As crews continued to search the home, Command asked for Trooper 4 to land nearby. Shortly after that crews reported that the fire on the first floor had been knocked and that the basement was clear.
It was only then that crews reported that they had found a second patient. Screaming over the radio for ALS (paramedics) to meet them at the front door.
Command reported that two patients got out of the home prior to the firefighter’s arrival. A total of four patients were accounted for. One of whom was pronounced deceased at the scene. The second patient found in the home was transported in critical condition.
Command also reported that two dogs were in the home during the fire. It is believed that they also perished as a result of the fire.
Fire marshals are on scene investigating the fire.
This story will be updated when the FM releases their report.