JERSEY CITY, N.J. — A 97-year-old man was critically injured Thursday afternoon after a fire broke out in the basement apartment of a residential building on York Street, authorities said.
The Jersey City Fire Department responded to the fire at 318 York St. shortly after 1:30 p.m. and found flames inside a basement unit, according to officials. During firefighting efforts, crews discovered the elderly resident injured inside the affected apartment.
Emergency Medical Services transported the man to Jersey City Medical Center with serious bodily injuries. He was later transferred to the Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Burn Unit in Livingston. As of Friday, he was listed in stable condition.
The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force is leading the investigation into the cause and origin of the fire, with support from the Jersey City Fire Department.
Authorities said there is no indication of foul play at this time.
“The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force and the Jersey City Fire Department are investigating a fire that occurred on Thursday, May 15,” officials said in a statement.
Investigation ongoing, public urged to submit tips
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office at 201-915-1345 or leave a confidential tip online at https://hcpo.opsnetwork.org/tips.
No other injuries were reported, and officials have not yet determined the total damage to the building. It is unclear if any other residents were displaced.
The fire was contained to the basement unit and did not spread to upper levels, according to initial reports from the scene. The structure remained secured after firefighting operations were concluded.
Authorities have not released the name of the injured man pending family notification.
A 97-year-old Jersey City resident remains hospitalized after a basement fire critically injured him Thursday afternoon.
