The safety review continues after a fire at a Newark apartment building

NEWARK, NJ – Authorities are continuing to examine what went wrong – and how it could be prevented in the future – after a recent fire left dozens of residents of a Newark apartment building without a home for the holidays.

On November 23, a transformer fire caused a power outage at 920 Franklin Avenue and the surrounding area. The building was evacuated after the incident. Authorities say 87 residents were displaced just days before the Thanksgiving holiday.

After the fire, the Newark Housing Authority (NHA), which owns the property, said it had “worked tirelessly” to help the 39 affected families.

On the Monday evening after the fire, all affected families were temporarily accommodated in a hotel that had a kitchenette to provide them with comfort during the holiday season. Additionally, each family received $250 gift cards from the NHA and $350 from the American Red Cross to help with their immediate needs.

Power to the building was restored and residents were allowed to return to their homes on November 27, except for a few units that required minor soot cleaning, the NHA reported.

“The safety of our residents is our top priority,” the NHA said. “As we continue to deal with the fallout from this incident, we are also taking steps to ensure such situations are prevented in the future. This includes working closely with utilities (PSE&G) and conducting a comprehensive review of safety protocols.”

“We appreciate the support and understanding of the community, city leadership and partner organizations during this challenging time,” the NHA added.

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