More than 1,000 people are homeless after a devastating five-alarm fire ripped through the Avalon apartment complex in Edgewater, New Jersey. It took firefighters hours to get the blaze under control on the night of January 21. The following morning, the smoldering ruins could be seen across the Hudson River in New York City.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. 500 First Responders Were on Scene to Battle the Blaze
The cause of the fire is still being investigated by the Bergen County Arson Unit. According to Edgewater Police Chief William Skidmore, the blaze began at 4:22 p.m. on January 21. Thankfully, nobody was killed during the inferno with only minor injuries being reported. Three people had to be rescued from inside their apartments. NJ.com reports that “the fire destroyed 240 of the 408 units” in the building. That displaced around 500 people. Another 500 are being kept away from their homes after the fire spread beyond the Avalon building. Mayor Michael McPartland said, “Everyone got out. You can always rebuild.” NJ.com reports that 250 firefighters battled the blaze. Those brave rescue workers came from 35 towns. The effort also included help from the New Jersey and New York state police. In total, around 500 first responders were on scene.
2. A Go Fund Me Page Has Been Set Up for the Victims
My Fox New York reports that many of the displaced are being cared for at thee Edgewater Community Center, located at 55 River Road in the town. Anybody seeking to make donations of food, clothing or blankets for the victims can do so at the Sleepy’s in the City Place mall in Edgewater. A Go Fund Me page has been set up so that people can make financial donations to the victims.
3. Among the Displaced Is Legendary Yankees Broadcaster John Sterling
John Sterling in action for the Yankees in July 2010. (Getty)
The New York Daily News reports that among those affected by the blaze is Yankees radio announcer John Sterling. He told the paper, “Maybe I’ll get lucky and there won’t be much damage. I have nowhere to go. And I need a toothbrush.” Sterling was in the building when the fire broke out, he had just arrived home, when he tried to go to his apartment, he was hit by a wall of black smoke.
4. This Is the Second Major Fire to Hit the Avalon Apartments
The Avalon apartments burned to the ground back in 2000. (Getty)
Back in 2000, the Avalon Apartment complex burned to the ground while it was under construction in what the New York Times called at the time a “spectacular fire.” That fire also spread to neighboring homes. Nobody was seriously injured as a result. The fire was so intense that firefighters who battled it on the frontline had to be cooled down with hoses by their comrades when they returned to their trucks. The Times reported back in 2000 that the Avalon complex was being built on the site of a former aluminum plant and was only 100 yards from a field filled with gasoline tanks. It’s unknown if the tanks are still there as of 2015.
5. The Complex Cost $75 Million to Rebuild in 2002
The Avalon apartment complex is located on Russell Avenue in Edgewater. (Google Street View)
After the 2000 fire, the Avalon apartment complex was rebuilt in 2002 at a cost of $75 million. The complex experienced some damage due to Hurricane Sandy in 2012 that was quickly repaired. On the Avalon Communities website it brags:
A few of the distinctive features of our Edgewater apartments are our exceptional staff, beautifully maintained grounds, and top of the line amenities.
The population of the town is 11,513.