A four-alarm fire ripped through two multi-family homes on Andrew Street early Wednesday morning, injuring two firefighters and leaving seven cats dead, officials said.
The fire was reported just after 1:30 a.m. at 78 Andrew St. Firefighters found the fire also threatened 76 Andrew St. when they arrived on the block between Kennedy Boulevard and Avenue C, Bayonne Fire Chief Keith Weaver said.
It could not be immediately determined how many families lived in the two buildings, but American Red Cross officials said nine people from five families were receiving assistance. Weaver said a total of 13 people were displaced.
Heavy smoke and fire prompted firefighters to quickly call for a fourth alarm. Jersey City, North Hudson Regional, Hoboken, and Kearny all assisted Bayonne battle the blaze that was placed under control about two hours later, Weaver said.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries and were treated and released from Bayonne Medical Center.
Firefighters rescued three cats, three ferrets, and one bird from the blaze. Seven cats died, Weaver said.
"The firefighters at the scene did an outstanding job and conducted extensive interior fire operations to contain the fire," Weaver said in a statement.
9 displaced, 3 firefighters taken to hospital in Bayonne blaze
Nine people were forced out of their home and three fire fighters were injured after an early morning blaze on West 26th Street, the city's fire chief said.
At 8 a.m., the road remained closed and a fire company was still on the scene. A heavy smell of smoke lingered throughout the neighborhood.
Young kids stopped to look on as a restoration company prepared to begin cleaning and boarding the homes. Residents in the neighborhood, some still in their pajamas, could be seen walking over to see the damage. Two displaced residents at the scene declined to speak about the fire.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.