Firefighter dies responding to New Jersey blaze: Officials

A firefighter lost his life responding to a blaze in Plainfield, New Jersey, Friday, according to city officials.

Marques Hudson was responding to a fire on Emerson Avenue when he died, according to a statement released by Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp's office. Mapp said Hudson, while battling the fire, either fell through the floor or down a flight of stairs.

Four other firefighters rushed into the home and pulled him out. Doctors reportedly spent an hour trying to revive the man.

According to the statement, Hudson joined the Plainfield Fire Department in December 2021. The 32-year-old was a father of three.

"His valor and selflessness were the hallmarks of his character, epitomized in his final act of bravery," the statement said. "He was not merely a firefighter – he embodied the very essence of heroism, putting the lives of others before his own, a testament to his unwavering commitment and courage."

"The loss of such a remarkable individual is not only a professional tragedy but also a deeply personal one, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him," it continued.

First responders stood shoulder-to-shoulder on the steps of city hall, visibly shaken by the death of the firefighter. The city urged the Plainfield community to come together in mourning.

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"The impact of Firefighter Hudson's absence is immeasurable. His dedication and heroism will forever be remembered and revered," the statement said. Mayor Mapp, Fire Director Kenneth Childress, fellow firefighters, and all those who were fortunate enough to cross paths with Firefighter Hudson mourn a loss that words cannot adequately express."

No other details on the Emerson Avenue fire, which broke out shortly before 9 a.m., were immediately available. Funeral arrangements are expected to be shared once they are set. It marks the first line-of-duty death in Plainfield.

Investigations into the cause of the fire and of Hudson's death were ongoing.