MONTCLAIR, NJ — An early morning fire in Montclair left three families without a home last weekend, authorities say.
According to the Montclair Fire Department, the blaze took place Sunday at a three-story home on Elm Street.
Firefighters got a call about the fire at 7:17 a.m. after a resident noticed smoke filling the top floor of the building. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke and flames in the basement.
Firefighters searched every floor of the home and confirmed all residents had gotten out safely before the department arrived.
The fire was contained to the basement, and no one — resident or firefighter — was injured, authorities said.
A total of 11 people and a dog were displaced after the fire and received aid from the Red Cross New Jersey.
Firefighters from West Orange, East Orange, Orange and Bloomfield responded to the scene to lend aid, and fire crews from Clifton, Irvington and Nutley covered other Montclair firehouses. The MFD also credited PSE&G, the Montclair Water Department, and Glen Ridge EMS workers for lending assistance.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, the Montclair Fire Department said.
"A reminder to every household in Montclair: working smoke alarms on every level, and two ways out of every room," authorities said. "Thankfully the residents of this home got out quickly."
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