Tragic Fire at Port Newark Claims Lives of Two Firefighters and Raises Concerns over Training and Equipment

A devastating fire on a cargo ship at Port Newark in New Jersey has claimed the lives of two firefighters. The fire, which broke out over 30 hours ago, continued to burn on Friday morning, with the firefighting efforts being hindered by exploding vehicle gas tanks. Newark’s fire chief, Rufus Jackson, stated that his department did not have the necessary training or equipment to effectively combat the flames, particularly when dealing with cars filled with gas on a cargo ship.

The two firefighters, identified as Augusto “Augie” Acabou and Wayne “Bears” Brooks Jr., became trapped while fighting the blaze on Wednesday night. The fire started on the 10th deck of the ship, named the Grande Costa D’Avorio, as crew members and local stevedores were moving cars, vans, and trucks. Despite their best efforts, the intense heat forced the firefighters to retreat, resulting in the tragic loss of their lives.

Acabou, a nine-year veteran of the Newark Fire Department assigned to Engine 16, and Brooks, who served for 16.5 years and was assigned to Ladder 4, were both highly respected members of the firefighting community. The last time a Newark firefighter was killed in the line of duty was in 2007.

The fire on the cargo ship, which was carrying thousands of vehicles, spread from five to seven cars to the 11th and 12th floors. Fortunately, there were no electric cars or hazardous cargo on board, and the ship is not at risk of sinking or spilling fuel.

Newark Mayor Baraka expressed his grief and described the solemn scene of the firefighters’ bodies being lowered from a pulley while their fellow firefighters paid their respects. He also emphasized the need for a thorough conversation with the Port Authority regarding firefighting capabilities at their locations.

Governor Phil Murphy released a statement mourning the loss of the two firefighters and extending his condolences to their families. He highlighted the dangers faced by firefighters and their remarkable courage.

The Grimaldi Group, the company that owns the ship, expressed their condolences and stated that the fire started during loading operations. They commended the prompt response of the crew and local firefighting services in containing and bringing the fire under control. The company will conduct a full investigation in cooperation with relevant authorities to determine the cause of the fire.

The tragic incident has raised concerns about the training and equipment available to firefighters when dealing with fires on cargo ships. The city of Newark plans to have extensive discussions with the Port Authority to address these issues and ensure the safety of firefighters in the future.

How is the Newark Fire Department addressing the lack of necessary training and equipment to handle complex and dangerous situations like the cargo ship fire

Orts, Acabou and Brooks were unable to escape the intense heat and smoke, and tragically lost their lives.

The cargo ship fire, which sent plumes of thick black smoke into the air and could be seen from miles away, posed significant challenges to the firefighters. Apart from the exploding gas tanks, the cramped and confined spaces within the ship made it difficult for the firefighters to navigate and extinguish the flames. The blaze also spread rapidly due to the combustible materials present in the cargo, including chemicals and flammable materials.

Newark’s fire department, already stretched thin due to ongoing shifts and limited resources, struggled to effectively combat the fire. Fire Chief Rufus Jackson expressed his frustration, stating that the department lacked the necessary training and equipment to tackle such a complex and dangerous situation. He specifically mentioned the unique challenge of dealing with vehicles filled with gas on a cargo ship.

The untimely deaths of Acabou and Brooks highlight the risks and sacrifices made by first responders in the line of duty. Both firefighters were highly regarded within their department and known for their dedication to ensuring the safety of others. Acabou had served the Newark Fire Department for 14 years and was known for his bravery and commitment, while Brooks had been with the department for 11 years and was admired for his leadership skills.

As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, questions are being raised about safety protocols and the adequacy of training for firefighters in handling fires in similar contexts. Authorities are also looking into the condition and maintenance of the cargo ship, as well as any potential violations of safety regulations that may have contributed to the tragedy.

The devastating fire at Port Newark serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by firefighters and the importance of ensuring they have the necessary resources and training to effectively respond to emergencies. The loss of Acabou and Brooks is a profound tragedy, and their bravery and sacrifice will be remembered by their fellow firefighters and the community they served.