MILLVILLE, N.J. — A devastating fire that engulfed several homes in Millville, New Jersey, claimed the lives of two young children, causing heartbreak throughout the community. The blaze, reported late Wednesday night, tore through the 300 block of South 4th Street, leaving homes in ruins and dozens of residents displaced.
Family members identified the victims as sisters Valery and Sammy, aged 9 and 13. While their family grapples with the tragic loss, the community has rallied around those affected by the disaster. Hours after the fire, the scene remained engulfed in smoke and debris as investigators and emergency personnel navigated the aftermath.
The fire reportedly started around 11 p.m. and quickly spread to adjacent homes, impacting a total of six houses including two duplexes completely razed and two single-family homes severely damaged. Approximately 23 people were forced to evacuate their residences under urgent and harrowing circumstances.
Iteaia Broughton, a resident affected by the fire and mother of three, recounted her harrowing escape. “It all happened so quickly,” Broughton said. “I had to grab my children and leave immediately, we couldn’t save anything.”
Fire officials suspect that the intense spread of the fire was exacerbated by a ruptured gas line, which occurred as parts of a building collapsed during the blaze. Millville Fire Chief John Wettstein explained, “A part of the building fell and severed a gas line, which allowed gas to escape and intensify the fire rapidly.”
Compounding the challenges faced by firefighters was a malfunctioning hydrant on the block. Chief Wettstein noted that crews were forced to extend their hoses by about 800 feet to a functioning hydrant after initially running out of water. This issue significantly hindered the firefighting efforts and is slated for thorough investigation as stated by Mayor Benjamin Romanik.
The incident left one adult injured; this individual, also a family member of the two girls, is expected to recover. Meanwhile, the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, with officials yet to determine its origin, though it is not currently being treated as suspicious.
Community response was swift and unified. Residents and local businesses came together to support the displaced families. Donations of food, water, and other essentials poured into venues such as the Phenom Factory, which became a hub for receiving and distributing aid.
Arcelia Vivar Espinoza, a local resident, highlighted the community’s solidarity. “Despite our differences in background, everyone has come together to support each other in this time of need,” she remarked.
As the community begins to process and recover from this tragedy, the true spirit of Millville’s residents shines through their collective efforts to rebuild and support one another during such a trying time. The city plans to continue collecting and distributing donations, focusing on providing necessary resources to those most impacted.