PERTH AMBOY – On July 3, 2024, at 5:23 p.m., the Perth Amboy Fire and Police Departments were dispatched to a reported house fire at 61-63 Water Street. Due to the adjacent fireworks festival, units arrived on the scene promptly. The fire, heavily involving the front side of the 8-unit apartment building, was rapidly fueled by strong winds from the waterfront, causing it to spread quickly throughout the entire structure.

Police officers successfully rescued at least four occupants trapped on the upper floors at the rear of the building, while firefighters commenced firefighting operations. Due to the intense fire conditions and subsequent structural collapses, the response transitioned to a defensive operation. The fire was fully extinguished after approximately five hours, requiring emergency demolition to expose and extinguish deep-seated pockets of fire. The structure was excavated to ensure complete containment.

There were six reported injuries: four civilians and two police officers. One civilian, a beloved community member, was transported in serious condition due to respiratory burns and is now in stable condition. The two police officers were treated for smoke inhalation and released.

The eight families affected by the fire have been immediately assisted by the city’s relocation team and the American Red Cross. We acknowledge the quick action and response of the police, fire, and first responders, including Hackensack Meridian JFK EMS and the Hopelawn Fire Department. The City is keeping everyone affected by this tragedy in our prayers.

The fire scene has been fenced in and secured for the fire investigation. Multiple agencies will be coordinating the origin and cause investigation, which will require heavy machinery. There is no date set for this as of yet.

The cause of the fire is currently undetermined. We urge anyone with video footage of the incident to contact the Perth Amboy Fire Investigation Unit at (732) 324-3500 or the Perth Amboy Police Department at (732) 324-3800.