Mayor Gusciora’s Statement on Brunswick Avenue Fire

Fire Department Snuffed Blaze in Under Two Hours

Trenton N.J. – Trenton Fire & Emergency Services was dispatched to a three-alarm fire at 440 Brunswick Avenue at 11:20 PM.  The initial report was heavy fire coming from four (4) vacant dwellings, and all hands was placed in service.  The fire was placed under control in one hour and thirty-nine minutes.  There were no civilian injuries and one minor firefighter injury.  There was one family displaced but they did not need Red Cross. One of the dwellings is owned by the city. The following agencies were notified:

• Gas
• Electric
• Fire Marshal
• Red Cross
• County Investigator
• Housing Inspector

Dispatch: 11:20 PM

First Company: 11:23 PM

Second Alarm: 11:27 PM

Third Alarm: 11:29 PM

Total Time: 1:39

Regarding the fire Mayor Reed Gusciora noted that “we need to commend TFD for their heroic efforts. They had the fire under control within one hour and thirty-nine minutes and protected exposure on both sides of the building. We’re wishing the injured firefighter a swift recovery.”

In response to reports that the fire was caused by squatters in the area, Mayor Gusciora is announcing that last week he met with representatives from Mercer County Prosecutors Office, Trenton Police Department, State Legislators, City Inspectors, and other stakeholders to address the problem of unlawful tenants in the Capital City.

“Illegal tenancy has undoubtedly become invasive in Trenton. We have many unoccupied homes and are actively working with the County and State to get things back to where they need to be.” Asserted Gusciora. “We need to get legitimate homeowners into the houses and help those rendered homeless find a path back into society. We will no longer only address the symptoms of our issues.”

More information about the administration’s strategy against illegal residency will be released at a later date. Trenton Fire Department reminds everyone to maintain diligence, and to regularly check your smoke alarms.

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