Union City, NJ – A Union City fire devastated two adjoining residences, collapsing one building and displacing 23 people, according to today’s Jersey Journal.

The four-alarm blaze that started about 2:30 p.m. in the basement of 3807 Park Ave near 39th Street – just 3 blocks from the Orthodox Jewish Community.

Firefighters were able to contain the blaze within four hours, but continued to battle flames that were fed by a ruptured gas line after 3809 Park collapsed around 6 p.m.

Firefighters initially considered it a two-alarm blaze, but officials requested more assistance as it spread from the basement of the two-story 3807 Park to 3809 Park Ave. next door, officials said. The Jersey City, Bayonne, Hoboken and Harrison fire departments assisted at the scene.

The blaze raged for hours with strong winds making it worse, Welz said.

When the fire spread to 3809 Park Ave., flames quickly became visible from the street and engulfed the three-story building.

Four of the 75 responding firefighters suffered minor injuries and were taken to the hospital.

As seen in the photo to the left, Union City Hatzolah was on the scene and transported a victim of the fire (click on image to enlarge it).

(Source: NJ.com)