Five Hospitalized After “Suspicious” North Bergen Fire

Investigators say a fast-moving fire that injured five people and severely damaged a northern New Jersey building has been declared suspicious.

The three-alarm fire in North Bergen was reported around 12:10 a.m. Monday and was brought under control about an hour later.

Authorities tell The Jersey Journal that the fire apparently started in an alley and quickly spread to the exterior of the two-story building, then entered the attic and basement areas.

Four residents were treated at a hospital for smoke inhalation and released later Monday. But a firefighter who had chest pain was being held for observation.

The fire displaced the building's seven residents, who were being assisted by the American Red Cross.

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