Two-Alarm Fire Engulfs  Homes on 5th Street in Lakewood, NJ

Firefighters from multiple agencies battled a fast-moving two-alarm blaze that erupted in a vacant home on densely residential 5th Street early this morning (Wednesday), spreading to a neighboring structure and prompting evacuations amid reports of a roof collapse.

The fire was first reported around 9:25 p.m. ET on Tuesday (approximately 2:25 a.m. GMT Wednesday), quickly escalating as flames fully engulfed the initial building at 225 5th Street in downtown Lakewood.

Authorities declared a second alarm, calling in mutual aid from surrounding departments to combat the intense fire, which sent thick smoke billowing into the night sky.

Eyewitness accounts and drone footage captured the scene, showing significant flames leaping from the structures, with hazards including falling tree branches onto the roadway.

Police urged bystanders to steer clear of the area for safety.

Evacuation tones were sounded after a reported roof collapse on the primary building, heightening concerns in the tightly packed neighborhood.

As of the latest updates around 9:50 p.m. ET Tuesday, crews remained on site, actively fighting the fire.

No injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Both affected homes were vacant at the time, according to officials.

This incident marks another challenge for the Lakewood Fire Department, which has responded to several notable fires in recent months, including brush fires and other structure incidents in the area.

The Lakewood Scoop and YWN contributed to this article.