Harmon Cove Tower Fire Was 'Very Bad,' Mayor Says

SECAUCUS, NJ — The fire that broke out in Harmon Cove Tower 3 Monday night was "very serious, very bad," said Secaucus Mayor Mike Gonnelli, with one apartment completely destroyed by the fire, others nearby damaged and at least one family forced to stay in a local motel.

The call of the fire came in at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, said Capt. Dennis Miller of the Secaucus police. Related: Alarms Did Not Go Off In Harmon Cove Towers Fire, Residents Say

The fire broke out in a fourth-floor apartment in Harmon Cove Tower 3. That is the tower furthest back near the river. Multiple people driving past saw smoke and flames shooting out of the apartment's windows and called 911. Smoke reportedly filled the entire 25-story tower column.

Many surrounding towns, such as Lyndhurst, Kearny, Carlstadt, Jersey City and Wood-Ridge, had to provide mutual aid to prevent the fire from spreading, Capt. Miller said, and he said Secaucus thanks them. As of 9:55 p.m., the fire was put out.

However, the original condo where the fire started was completely gutted. Condos on either side, as well as above and below were also badly damaged by smoke and water. In total, about 12 condos were damaged. At least one family is currently staying at the Red Roof Inn, Mayor Gonnelli said.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, Capt. Miller said.

Photo of the fire supplied by Secaucus Mayor Mike Gonnelli. If anyone has any more photos of the fire, they can email it anonymously to Carly.Baldwin@patch.com.