Hillside, NJ – A tragic house fire in Hillside claimed the life of a 70-year-old woman and left her 50-year-old son injured early Friday morning, authorities reported. Firefighters were able to prevent the blaze from spreading to neighboring homes, but the family’s residence sustained significant damage, particularly on the upper floor.
Early Morning Fire in Residential Neighborhood
The fire broke out at a single-family home at 1531 Center Street around 5:30 a.m. on Friday, according to local officials. Intense flames quickly engulfed the top floor, and the heat was strong enough to melt the siding on the house next door.
Firefighters from Hillside and mutual aid units worked under brutally cold temperatures to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby residences.
Victim Identified, Son Hospitalized
Authorities discovered a woman deceased in a second-floor bedroom. Neighbors identified her as Marie Wright, noting that she had been isolated in her room in recent years.
Her 50-year-old son was also found at the scene and transported to a hospital after suffering smoke inhalation. Police and fire officials reported that he is in stable condition.
Firefighting Efforts and Challenges
Hillside Deputy Chief Felipe Sousa praised the response of local firefighters, many of whom had been battling other fires in Union County over the previous 24 hours.
“Many of the firefighters involved in battling this blaze had been working other fires in the area, so mutual aid was needed to assist in the efforts to keep things from getting worse. In addition, the emergency personnel was dealing with brutally cold temperatures. The fire department worked as quickly as possible to bring this blaze under control,” Sousa said.
Officials confirmed that no firefighters were injured during the operation.
Investigation Into Cause
Fire marshals, alongside the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, are investigating the cause of the fire. Authorities did not immediately release details about a potential origin but emphasized that the investigation remains active.
Busy Day for Union County Fire Departments
Friday marked a busy day for firefighters across Union County, with additional fires reported in Roselle Park and Linden, in addition to the Hillside blaze. Local departments are coordinating closely to respond quickly to emergencies, particularly during periods of extreme cold.
Officials stressed the importance of fire safety and awareness, particularly for residents living alone or with limited mobility, as early detection and prompt response can save lives.
What are your thoughts on the Hillside fire and the challenges firefighters face in extreme conditions? How can communities better protect vulnerable residents during emergencies? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the discussion.
