Montclair firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire from the basement of a three-story multi-family residence, prompting a second alarm and mutual-aid response.

Companies were dispatched to 85 Elm Street in Montclair, New Jersey, at approximately 7:17 a.m. on August 23, 2026, after a caller reported black smoke filling the upper floor. Arriving crews located the fire in the basement, stretched lines for an interior attack and conducted searches throughout the building.

The incident was upgraded to a second alarm, bringing firefighters from West Orange, Orange, Bloomfield and East Orange to the scene. Companies from Clifton, Irvington and Nutley provided coverage at Montclair firehouses during the incident.

The fire was contained to the basement. All occupants had evacuated before firefighters arrived, and searches of the basement and upper floors were negative. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.

Eleven residents from three families and a dog were displaced. The American Red Cross responded to provide temporary lodging, food, clothing and other assistance. The cause remained under investigation by Montclair Fire Department investigators.