Union City is grappling with the aftermath of a deadly fire that broke out Saturday afternoon and left many residents without homes.
A 74-year-old woman was found dead inside a residence on Bergen Turnpike after a fire was reported around 3:45 p.m.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames already consuming the building. The woman was located inside the home at 3808 Bergen Turnpike after crews entered.
Once the flames were brought under control, city officials determined that 22 other residents were displaced.
Mayor Brian Stack said firefighters faced severe conditions when they arrived.
"The fire department did the best job they could under the circumstances, but they pulled up on a fire that was heavily involved from the beginning," Stack said. "We lost a woman in the fire, a senior citizen, very sad," he added.
Those displaced are receiving help from the Red Cross and the city.
Stack said anyone who wants to make a monetary donation to support affected residents can do so at City Hall.
There is still no word on what caused the fire.