A fire in Newark displaces dozens of people and destroys businesses

A fire near Broadway and Delavan Avenue in Newark displaced nearly 40 people and destroyed several area businesses.

Officials say the fire started Monday around 7 p.m. at 576 Broadway – the location of Royal Supermarket. They say 39 people – including eight children – were forced from their homes.

“There was a third floor on this (building) and that third floor is completely gone,” Marilyn Torres said.

Torres’ father owns Tony’s Liquor. She says she was born and raised in the community and her family is now hurting after losing their businesses and homes.

“Both my aunts were affected by this. They both have no home at the moment,” she says.

According to residents, the fire spread very quickly to nearby buildings.

“It spread very quickly to the second floor and then to the third floor, so my father left the apartment without shoes on,” said Gerardy Cabrera.

The American Red Cross is helping those displaced. The entrepreneurs say they hope they can rebuild.

“I don’t know when or how soon, but we certainly will,” Torres said.

Officials say one firefighter suffered burns to his neck and chest.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.