- Fire originated in Millville duplex where victims resided
- Sisters aged 8 and 10 found in rubble after 12-hour blaze
- Malfunctioning hydrant delayed response as flames engulfed 3 structures
- 24 residents displaced, community initiates relief efforts
A catastrophic evening fire in Millville, New Jersey, has left a community reeling after flames tore through six homes and claimed the lives of two young sisters. Authorities confirmed the blaze began in the family's duplex around 11 PM Wednesday, with intense heat warping emergency vehicles and spreading rapidly through adjacent properties. Fire Chief John Wettstein noted crews faced critical delays when their nearest water source failed, requiring teams to lay nearly 250 meters of hose to reach functional hydrants.
The devastating incident highlights recurring fire safety challenges in southern New Jersey communities. A 2022 Atlantic City high-rise fire similarly escalated due to inadequate water pressure, resulting in $4 million in damages. Industry data shows 18% of urban fire responses nationally experience hydrant-related complications, with older municipalities like Millville being particularly vulnerable due to aging infrastructure.
As investigators work to determine the exact ignition source, community organizations have mobilized support for displaced families. Local churches and the Red Cross established temporary housing at Millville Senior High School, while a GoFundMe campaign for the bereaved family surpassed $35,000 within 24 hours. Fire prevention experts emphasize the importance of seasonal hydrant inspections, especially in neighborhoods with structures built before 1980.
Psychological counselors from Rowan University are providing trauma support to survivors, including a mother who escaped with three children through second-story windows. The fire's emotional toll compounds physical losses, with many victims lacking renters insurance. State officials announced plans to review emergency response protocols and allocate $500,000 for regional fire system upgrades.
Millville's tragedy underscores the complex interplay between infrastructure maintenance and community resilience. As rebuilding begins, fire departments statewide are conducting emergency preparedness drills, while legislators propose new requirements for multi-unit housing smoke containment systems. The sisters' funeral arrangements remain private as the community observes a week of mourning.