Sad news: Devastating wide fire born down the largest city in community forum of Hackettstown few minutes ago many life’s distorted due to………..

In an unexpected and heartbreaking turn of events, a massive wildfire broke out earlier today in the heart of Hackettstown, New Jersey, devastating large portions of the community forum district—an area known for its close-knit neighborhoods, public services, and local businesses.

The fire, which began shortly after noon, spread rapidly due to high winds and dry spring conditions. Local officials have declared a **state of emergency** as firefighters from Warren County and surrounding regions work tirelessly to contain the blaze. Several structures have already been engulfed, with early reports suggesting **dozens of homes and small businesses** have been destroyed.

Hackettstown Fire Department Chief Lisa Montgomery addressed the media late this afternoon, confirming that over 150 first responders**, including firefighters, EMTs, and police officers, have been deployed in the ongoing rescue efforts.

This is one of the most devastating fires we’ve seen in this region in years,” Montgomery stated. “Our teams are doing everything they can to protect lives, contain the spread, and provide relief to displaced families.”

Several evacuation orders were issued within minutes of the fire’s eruption, with buses used to transport residents to emergency shelters set up at **Hackettstown High School and Centenary University**.

While the full cause remains under investigation, early speculation points to a possible electrical fault in one of the commercial buildings as the origin of the fire. With dry brush and gusty winds fanning the flames, it quickly escalated into a wide-reaching emergency.

State Fire Marshal William Klein noted, We are working with local officials and forensic investigators to determine how this started. Right now, our priority is safety and containment.

Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic and heartbreak, with residents fleeing their homes and volunteers rushing to help neighbors salvage belongings.

Maria Delgado, a long-time Hackettstown resident, tearfully shared:

I saw smoke from blocks away. When I got back to my house, the fire was already on my street. We had minutes to grab our things. It’s all gone.”

Emergency services have confirmed **no fatalities** as of now, but several injuries have been reported, including smoke inhalation cases and minor burns. At least **60 families** are believed to be displaced, and that number could rise.

In the face of disaster, the Hackettstown community has already begun organizing aid. Local churches, civic groups, and residents are collecting food, clothes, and blankets for those affected.

Mayor Thomas Giordano praised the community’s spirit in a press release:

What we’ve lost today is heartbreaking, but Hackettstown is strong. We are already seeing neighbors helping neighbors, and we will rebuild—together.

A GoFundMe campaign was launched within hours to support the victims, with donations pouring in from across New Jersey and beyond.

Officials have warned residents to stay away from affected zones as **flare-ups remain a risk** due to shifting winds. Local schools have been closed for the remainder of the week, and several roads in and out of the city center are blocked off for emergency operations.

Though the immediate focus is on containing the fire and supporting those displaced, the long-term recovery will take months. Federal and state disaster relief teams are expected to arrive by the weekend to begin assessments.

This devastating fire marks a dark day for Hackettstown—but in tragedy, the town’s strength and unity have already begun to shine through.