In an unprecedented blaze at Port Newark late Wednesday evening, two courageous firefighters lost their lives while battling a fire aboard a ship.
The incident took place around 9:30 p.m., with the Newark Fire Department responding to multiple vehicle fires reported on a ship docked at Export and Marsh Streets.
This Newark port fire is a tragic example of the dangerous, life-threatening situations firefighters face on a daily basis.
Newark port fire :Firefighters’ Heroic Battle
The fierce inferno originated on the 10th deck, amongst a cargo of vehicles including cars, trucks, and vans being moved by crew members and local stevedores.
Rapidly escalating, the Newark port fire engulfed between five and seven vehicles before spreading to the 11th and 12th floors of the ship, named the Grande Costa D’Avorio.
Despite their valiant efforts to quell the flames, the intensity of the heat ultimately overwhelmed the firefighters.
“The fire’s extreme heat forced our members to retreat.
Tragically, two firefighters were lost in the process,” said Newark Fire Chief Rufus Jackson, highlighting the unpredictable and perilous nature of the Newark port fire.
A Profound Loss for Newark
Firefighters Augusto “Augie” Acabou, 45, and Wayne “Bears” Brooks Jr., 49, were found within the large ship, having made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
