November 8, 2023- Story by: Mike Ratcliffe

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – A woman and two children were rescued by city firefighters from their burning residence in the 100 block of Passaic Street early this morning (Wednesday, Nov. 8).

It was about 2:40 a.m. when Engines 1, 8 and 10, Ladder 4, Rescue 1 and Battalion 5 were dispatched in response to the first 911 call about the fire. The address given was 112 Passaic Street and it was reported that a woman, seen in an upper-floor window, was trapped inside. 

As firefighters were responding, additional 911 calls were received reporting that at least three people were trapped. Based on those reports, the “All Hands” signal for a working fire was transmitted before firefighters even arrived on scene and the remaining units of the full first alarm (Engine 9, Ladder 1, Special Services 1, and Battalion 1) were sent.

Smoke was pouring from the first floor of the three-story semi-detached dwelling when first-due Engine 1 arrived. Firefighters mounted an aggressive interior attack, putting two hoselines in service to knock down flames on the first floor. According to fireground radio transmissions, a woman and two children were rescued from the third floor by members of Rescue 1. They were passed to Trenton Emergency Medical Service personnel and transported to hospital. No information was available on the extent of their injuries.

A fourth person was also reportedly removed from the first floor by the crew of Ladder 1, No details were available about that person’s injuries.

The fire was officially declared under control at 3:05 a.m. The cause of the fire is being investigated by Trenton fire officials. Due to the civilian injuries. a representative of the state Division of Fire Safety was also called to the scene to assist with the investigation.

The Red Cross was also called to the scene to assist displaced residents. An ambulance from Lawrence Township responded as well to support Trenton EMS personnel.

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