One Person Killed in 3-Alarm Fire on High Street in Rahway
The fire at home on High Street drew a regional response, city officials said.
Firefighters and emergency crews work at the scene of a three-alarm fire at 1583 High Street in Rahway.
Chris Howell I January 20, 2026 ***Last Updated: Jan. 22, 2026 10:18 PM***
One person died after a three-alarm fire tore through an occupied residential building at 1583 High Street on Tuesday morning, city officials confirmed.
The fire was reported at approximately 10:20 a.m. and involved a 2½-story, wood-frame structure. According to the City of Rahway, first responders encountered heavy fire conditions on the first and second floors, with flames extending into the attic and significant fire visible on the exterior of the building.
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A Rahway firefighter walks past the scene as crews continue post-fire operations following a three-alarm blaze on High Street.
Rahway Fire Chief Michael Roberts previously told The Central Jerseyan that the fire escalated rapidly, prompting a large regional response. Firefighters initiated an aggressive interior attack, but deteriorating conditions inside the structure forced crews to temporarily evacuate before re-entering once the bulk of the fire was knocked down.
Police officers at the scene restrained an occupant from attempting to re-enter the burning building, city officials said. One occupant was later confirmed unaccounted for during firefighting operations.
In a statement issued Monday afternoon, Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe confirmed the fatality.
“On behalf of the City of Rahway, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the individual who tragically lost their life in this fire,” Giacobbe said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time.”
The fire was escalated to a third alarm, bringing in mutual aid from Linden, Roselle, Clark, Cranford, Elizabeth, Scotch Plains, and Union. Additional responding agencies included the Rahway Police Department, Rahway Emergency Squad, Robert Wood Johnson paramedics, Union County Fire Mutual Aid Coordinators, and the Union County Arson Task Force.
Fire crews search the scene of a three-alarm fire on High Street in Rahway as crews conduct post-fire operations.
The fire was escalated to a third alarm, bringing in mutual aid from Linden, Roselle, Clark, Cranford, Elizabeth, Scotch Plains, and Union. Additional responding agencies included the Rahway Police Department, Rahway Emergency Squad, Robert Wood Johnson paramedics, Union County Fire Mutual Aid Coordinators, and the Union County Arson Task Force.
“I want to commend the Rahway Fire Department, Rahway Police Department, and all first responders for their swift and courageous actions under extremely dangerous conditions,” Giacobbe added, thanking neighboring communities for their assistance.
The scene remained active into Monday afternoon, with fire apparatus, police vehicles, and utility crews lining the block as authorities worked to secure the area. Westfield Avenue between St. Georges Avenue and Jefferson Avenue was temporarily closed during the response but has since reopened.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. City officials said additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Smoke billows from a fire at 1583 High Street in Rahway. The photo was taken by a resident down the block from the scene.
***Correction: A version of this article incorrectly stated the day of the fire as Monday. The fire occurred on Tuesday.***