'Suspicious' Three-Alarm Fire Destroys West Orange Building

Firefighters from six area fire companies battled a three-alarm blaze at a vacant West Orange warehouse Tuesday night that officials have now labeled "a crime scene."

At approximately 9:20 p.m., a captain in the West Orange Police Department told reporters to leave the scene, deeming the fire "suspicious" and calling the area "a crime scene." He offered no further clarification or explanation.

Arson investigators were observed arriving at the scene shortly before 10 p.m., nearly three hours after the fire was reported. The fire was reported extinguished at approximately 10:10 p.m.

Earlier, thick black smoke could be seen billowing from the roof of the structure at 200 Pleasant Valley Way. The building once housed JT's Skate Zone and the Essex Health and Racquet Club.

Though no injuries were reported, firefighters did not enter the building. Instead, they punched holes in the roof to ventilate the fire. Flames were visible from the roof of the warehouse, which was made of cement blocks and a vinyl exterior.

The fire allegedly was reported by a passerby, who walked into the nearby fire station at 280 Pleasant Valley Way, and told firefighters about the blaze, according to firefighters on the scene. It was reported at approximately 6:57 p.m.

The building is located behind the Brighton Gardens of West Orange, which is a senior citizen assisted living center.

As firefighters battled the blaze, they reported "dead hydrants" in the area that would not produce enough water to fight the fire.

Several fire departments were on the scene assisting the West Orange firefighters, including the East Orange, Fairfield, Roseland, Millburn and Orange fire departments. Officials from the Essex County Office of Emergency Management also were assisting, as well as West Orange police and first aid squad members.

This is a breaking news story. Continue to check Patch for updates.