BELLEVILLE, NJ — A large fire engulfed multiple houses in Belleville early Thursday morning, reports say.
The blaze ignited on Crescent Terrace around 3:15 a.m. and spread to an adjacent property. One structure collapsed, and flames tore through the roof of a second home. Two backyard sheds on nearby Maier Street were also damaged, ABC 7 News reported.
Residents were preliminarily reported to have escaped the flames, ABC 7 reported.
Aerial footage of the scene from CBS News showed severe damage to both houses on Crescent Terrace.
Patch has reached out to local authorities seeking additional information.
MAYOR: DEATH MOURNED, UNRELATED TO FIRE
Belleville Mayor Frank Vélez issued a statement about the multi-alarm fire, reporting that a nearby resident suffered a medical emergency and later passed away.
"While the death was unrelated to the fire, our hearts are with the resident's loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," Vélez said.
"The township is actively coordinating with emergency responders and partner agencies to ensure that displaced residents receive the assistance and resources they need," Vélez said. "We remain committed to supporting those affected as recovery efforts continue."
The cause of the fire and additional details will be released by the appropriate authorities once they have been confirmed, he said.
Fire crews from other nearby towns responded to provide mutual aid, including Bloomfield, Nutley and Newark, News 12 New Jersey reported.
Belleville also saw another large fire in May, which broke out on Cortlandt Street and eventually spread to multiple warehouses in the neighborhood. Additional fires were seen blocks away, including at several nearby homes.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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