Community Rallies After Woman Loses Home In 3-Alarm South Orange Fire

At 12:05 p.m., firefighters responded to 365 Melrose Pl. and were met with a residential dwelling with smoke showing, the South Essex Fire Department said. A second alarm was immediately tolled, requesting additional units to the scene. Firefighters received reports of three dogs trapped in the house and a third alarm was tolled, due to conditions inside the home, firefighters said. Clutter and hoarding conditions place an increased demand on operations due to the labor intensive need to open up and expose any hidden, smoldering fire, firefighters said. While battling the blaze, one firefighter fell through the first floor, firefighters said. He was transferred to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Firefighters were on scene for nearly three hours before the fire was declared under control, firefighters said. The three dogs were rescued from the home, firefighters said. Stephanie Staszak had lived in the home, which was built more than 100 years ago, for 50 years, according to a fundraiser set up to support her. "She is safe, but cannot live in her house and will be rebuilding in the days and months ahead," Julia Katz said. As of Monday, March 23, more than $22,000 has been raised. South Orange Fire Prevention is investigating the fire, firefighters said. To view the fundraiser, click here. Click here to follow Daily Voice Jersey City and receive free news updates.