Blaze brought under control with no injuries as viral claims are debunked linking fire to the airport
NEWARK, N.J. – A fire near Newark Liberty International Airport on Thursday drew attention online after thick black smoke was seen rising in the area, but officials say the incident had no meaningful impact on airport operations despite speculation online. It also was not on airport property.
Firefighters were called to 635 Delancy St. at approximately 2:48 p.m., where an outdoor brush fire had spread to an occupied building, according to Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda. Everyone inside the structure was able to escape safely, and no injuries were reported.
The fire was brought under control by 4:32 p.m., Miranda said, and the cause remains under investigation.
Officials push back on social media speculation
The dark plume of smoke, visible from areas near the airport, quickly circulated on social media, where some users questioned whether the incident was connected to airport activity. However, local officials and reports confirmed the fire was isolated to the Delancy Street area and did not significantly affect flights.
Key Points
- Fire broke out Thursday at 635 Delancy St. and spread to an occupied building
- No injuries reported; blaze brought under control within two hours
- Officials say airport operations were not significantly impacted
Online posts attempting to link the fire to broader concerns about airport safety were not supported by official information. Authorities emphasized the incident was a localized fire event and not tied to airport infrastructure.
Separate airport incidents noted
The fire comes amid recent unrelated disruptions at Newark Liberty International Airport. Earlier in the week, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a brief ground stop after smoke reportedly filled an air traffic control tower, prompting an evacuation of employees.
In a separate incident last month, a plane made an emergency landing at the airport due to engine trouble, temporarily halting operations while the aircraft was cleared from the taxiway.
Despite those events, officials have not indicated any connection between the Delancy Street fire and airport operations.