Dear Editor:
On Thursday, January 23, a fast moving 6-alarm fire ripped through three buildings in Union City. The blaze displaced 66 Union City residents and three firefighters experienced minor injuries attributed to fighting the massive fire in the freezing temperatures. The fire which started on the fourth floor in the residential apartment building on 19th street, quickly spread to two other buildings.
Thanks to the courageous actions of the first responders and neighbors, no lives were lost, however for the families who lived in the affected homes the property lost in this blaze and the time it will take for them to recoup makes this a sad reminder of how vulnerable homes, residents and first responders truly are to the ravages of fire.
I urge you to check the batteries in your smoke alarms and learn how to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community from the dangers of fire. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have been affected by this tragedy.
Best Regards,
David Kurasz
Executive Director New Jersey Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board