3-alarm fire tears through two Jersey City Heights homes, displaces 30; 2 firefighters hurt

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — A three-alarm fire tore through two attached homes on Franklin Street in the Heights on Tuesday, forcing 30 people from their residences and leaving two firefighters and one resident with minor injuries, the Jersey City Fire Department said.

The blaze was reported at 121 Franklin St., a three-story attached home, and spread to 119 Franklin St., according to officials. Firefighters found fire in both third-floor apartments, with flames extending through the roof. Crews brought the fire under control and contained the spread to that neighboring home. The Fire Department said the majority of the damage was contained to the third floor and roof.

When crews arrived, they got reports of people trapped — including a mother and child. Jersey City Fire Department Chief Jack Johnson said people were screaming over the radio that people were trapped. On scene, crews realized a mother was exiting the building herself; firefighters assisted her down the stairs and out the front door.

“We feel lucky there were no major injuries in the fire,” Johnson said.

Two firefighters were taken to a hospital for evaluation — one for debris near the eyes and another for burns to the back of the neck — and one woman was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, officials said. The cause of the fire was not yet known.

An earlier briefing cited three residents being assisted by the city and the Red Cross, while the Fire Department later said 30 people were displaced.

Got a tip? Email tips@hudsontv.com or text 862-417-6695.

Hudson TV asks: After Tuesday’s Heights fire left dozens without homes overnight, should Jersey City standardize same-evening JCFD briefings with a clear displaced count — or keep the current mix of on-scene updates and later written notices? Share your take in the comments.