Officials: Fire-Damaged Building Should Be Razed

Authorities say a five-story North Bergen apartment building that was severely damaged by a multialarm fire last weekend should be demolished.

Fire at a North Bergen apartment building (Tom Mongelli, Townsquare Media NJ)

North Bergen officials say they notified the building's owner of their decision this week, but noted that the owner has the right to appeal the decision.

Officials have said about 200 people were displaced by the five-alarm fire, which broke out around 5:30 p.m. Saturday and burned for about five hours before it was brought under control. Many displaced residents have been staying at hotels, with the town and the American Red Cross picking up the bills.

Authorities say it appears that an electrical problem sparked the blaze, but the investigation is ongoing.

A firefighter sustained broken ribs while battling the blaze, but the building's residents escaped unharmed.