UPDATE: Arson Task Force Investigating Hudson County Thanksgiving Fire

WEST NEW YORK, NJ — At least a ten families were displaced and eight firefighters were injured in a fire in a residential building in West New York on Thanksgiving evening, including a firefighter who was hospitalized, said the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office.

The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force, North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue, and the West New York Police Department are investigating, prosecutors said.

At approximately 5:30 p.m., North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue was notified of a fire at 5222 Bergenline Ave. Responding units found heavy fire and smoke coming from the building, prosecutors said.

During suppression efforts, 10 Firefighters were injured, two of whom suffered serious injuries.

One firefighter remains hospitalized with injuries that are not considered to be life threatening at this time, the Prosecutor's Office said. Additionally, four people were treated for minor injuries and released.

The fire was placed under control just before 8:30 p.m.

A preliminary investigation by the Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force determined the fire originated in an apartment bedroom. The cause remains under investigation, though foul play is not suspected at this time, prosecutors said.

“Even on Thanksgiving night when so many of us were enjoying time with our families, these firefighters bravely risked their lives to keep us safe,” said Weehawken Mayor and Chairman of NHRFR’s Management Committee Richard Turner. “The heroism of these firefighters is a testament to their commitment to our communities, and we are thankful every day for the work they do to keep us all safe.”

When the fire broke out, NHRFR units immediately responded and a group of firefighters ascended to the roof of a neighboring building to gain access, said a spokesperson for the Regional squad.

A major explosion occurred and the roof collapsed beneath them, causing them to fall over 20 feet and be buried in rubble and debris. Fire personnel rescued them from the rubble and the injured were immediately transported to Hackensack University Medical Center and the Jersey City Medical Center trauma unit.

"The courageous efforts of our firefighters were instrumental in preventing any loss of life during this incident," said NHRFR Chief David Donnarumma. "I'm incredibly thankful that all of these dedicated members of our department are expected to recover and that there was no loss of life among residents or firefighters."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Prosecutor’s Office at 201-915-1345 or to leave a tip at: http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/. All information will be kept confidential.