Six Firefighters Hurt in Massive N.J. Fire, Five Businesses Destroyed

Six firefighters were hurt and several business destroyed in a massive fire in Keyport, in Monmouth County.

According to WABC TV7, firefighters were hurt when part of a fully involved business collapsed sending a wall of fire straight at them. Radio transmissions heard on the television station’s video indicated that firefighters were down and at least one MAYDAY was called. None of the injuries were considered life threatening. Three buildings, five businesses and several apartments were affected by the fire.

Amateur video obtained by the television station shows one exterior wall collapsing sending a wave of fire and debris directly at firefighters who could be seen running from the collapse zone.

According to WLNY CBS News, the fire started in one building in the historic downtown area and spread to at least two other buildings. A decision was made to tear down the smoldering structure to completely extinguish the smoldering hot spots.

No cause of the fire has been determined, by the WLNY reported workers were on the roof of the building which initially caught fire.

WABC reported the all-volunteer fire department pumped water from the nearby Matawan Creek to put out the fire in the waterfront buildings.

The buildings affected by the fire were part of a stretch rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy roared through in November 2012, the TV station reported.

Both television stations reported the six injured firefighters were transported with non-life threatening injuries. One was reportedly suffering smoke inhalation.

Firehouse.com News will provide additional information as it becomes available.