Crime & Safety

Bloomfield College Dorm Catches Fire

Firefighters unsure what caused small blaze to break out in room.

A back room in a Bloomfield College dormitory on Austin Place caught fire around 5:15 p.m. Sunday forcing students onto the street as the fire department evacuated the three-story building. 

The fire blew out a window but was contained to the room where it started. It was put out in 10 minutes, fire officials said. 

"The RA (resident assistant) wasn't sure if everyone was out," Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Critchley said. "We did a full sweep of the building and everyone was out."

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The cause of the fire is unknown, but Critchley said the fire started on some notebooks and clothes. The fire inspector was investigating. 

Two engines and one truck responded to the fire. Montclair, Belleville and East Orange provided mutual aid.

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