Newark Firefighter In Critical Condition, Injured Battling Blaze

NEWARK, NJ -- A 10-year veteran firefighter in Essex County is in critical condition after being caught inside a burning building during a two-alarm fire on Park Avenue in Newark on Saturday night, authorities say.

While combating the blaze, Paul Leber, 38, became trapped inside the building along with a probationary firefighter. The probationary firefighter was able to escape; Leber was quickly rescued by his peers, the Newark Department of Public Safety stated.

Emergency responders transported Leber to University Hospital for treatment. He was listed in critical condition; authorities planned to move him to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx for further treatment.

The fire was declared under control shortly after 11 p.m. The cause and nature of the fire is being investigated by arson detectives from the Newark Fire Division.

Leber's condition was upgraded from critical to stable, authorities reported in an update on New Year's Day.

Photos: Newark Department of Public Safety

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